Measles Confirmed in Fulton County: What We Know

An unvaccinated Fulton County resident has tested positive for measles after spending time at Georgia State University, a popular North Avenue restaurant, and local soccer facilities while infected.

The Georgia Department of Public Health confirmed the case Friday, marking a concerning development since most measles cases trace back to overseas exposure. The patient has not traveled overseas, meaning the virus is spreading locally. This person was contagious from September 2 through 11, potentially exposing others across multiple Atlanta locations.

Where exposure happened

The infected individual visited several busy spots while contagious:

Georgia State University’s Aderhold Learning Building and Langdale Hall on September 2 and 4, during peak class hours from 7:30 am to 2:15 pm. The Sweetgreen restaurant on North Avenue saw three separate visits — September 3, 6, and 8 — with the longest exposure window stretching from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm on September 6.

Inter Atlanta FC soccer practices and games on September 3, 6, and 7 also created potential exposure, though health officials say outdoor transmission risk remains low. Those potentially exposed have already been contacted directly.

The local transmission puzzle

What makes this case particularly noteworthy is the absence of international travel. Most measles cases in the U.S. stem from exposure abroad or contact with someone who traveled internationally. A locally transmitted case suggests the virus is circulating within the community.

What to watch for

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. The illness typically starts with high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a distinctive rash of tiny red spots that begins at the head and spreads downward.

Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed should contact their healthcare provider immediately — but don’t just show up. Measles is highly contagious, so call your doctor before you come in to make sure they are prepared and have made proper arrangements.

If you’re not experiencing symptoms, there’s no need to seek medical care. But if you think you might have measles, stay home and avoid contact with others, especially babies under 1 year old and people with weakened immune systems.

The vaccine reality check

The MMR vaccine remains highly effective protection against measles. More than 95% of people who receive a single dose develop immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. A second dose boosts that protection to 98%.

The CDC recommends children get their first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months, with a second dose between ages 4 and 6.

Healthcare providers suspecting measles cases should notify public health immediately. The infected person is now out of the infectious stage, but the 10-day exposure window created multiple opportunities for transmission across Atlanta’s busy corridors.

For those who may have been exposed, health officials stress calling ahead before seeking medical care and monitoring for symptoms over the next two weeks. The DPH Acute Disease Epidemiology Section can be reached at 404-657-2588 during business hours or 1-866-782-4584 after hours.