Georgia health officials found three more measles cases this week. All three people had close contact with someone who got sick in September.
What It Means For You: If you or your children aren’t vaccinated, you face a higher risk of getting this highly contagious disease. Check your vaccination records and talk to your doctor.
What’s Happening: Two of the new patients never got vaccinated. The third person’s vaccination status is unknown. All three are staying home to avoid spreading the virus.
• Health workers are watching 268 people who may have been exposed
• Seven of those contacts need daily check-ins with health officials
Catch Up Quick: Georgia now has 10 measles cases this year compared to six cases in all of 2024. The disease spreads easily through coughing and sneezing.
• Children should get their first shot between 12 and 15 months old
• A second dose comes between ages 4 and 6
The Big Picture: Measles outbreaks happen when vaccination rates drop in communities. The virus can spread to nine out of 10 unvaccinated people who come near someone who is sick. Before vaccines, measles killed hundreds of children each year in the United States.
The Sources: Georgia Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
