Atlanta, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Health officials in Atlanta issued a public health alert after a measles case was reported in an unvaccinated resident of Fulton County. The Georgia Department of Public Health confirmed the case, raising concerns about potential exposure on the Georgia State University campus and nearby areas. As measles cases rise in Georgia, health officials are urging vaccinations and vigilance among healthcare providers. Symptoms to watch for include high fever, cough, and rash, while vaccination rates among kindergarteners have dropped to 86.8%.
Atlanta – Health officials in Atlanta have issued a public health alert following the diagnosis of a measles case affecting an unvaccinated resident of Fulton County. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed the case on Friday, raising concerns about potential exposure on the Georgia State University (GSU) campus and nearby areas in downtown Atlanta.
This case marks the seventh reported measles diagnosis in Georgia for the year 2025, following six prior cases. The infected individual has since recovered and is no longer contagious; however, health officials are examining the timeline when the individual could have potentially spread the virus to others between September 2 and September 11.
The DPH is currently working to notify individuals who may have been exposed to the infected person. Potential exposure locations include the Aderhold Learning Building and Langdale Hall on the GSU campus, as well as the Sweetgreen restaurant on North Avenue and events related to Inter Atlanta FC soccer practices and games during early September. Officials have noted that outdoor exposures at soccer events carry a lower risk of infection.
As measles cases surge to levels not seen in over three decades, public health experts are drawing parallels to a devastating outbreak in Samoa in 2019 that led to over 80 deaths, largely fueled by misinformation about vaccine safety. The current situation in Georgia is also part of a troubling trend seen in several states, including Texas, New Mexico, and California, where serious complications and fatalities have been reported.
In light of this recent case, healthcare providers are being urged to remain vigilant and to monitor patients exhibiting symptoms associated with measles. Symptoms typically manifest between 7 to 14 days following exposure and can include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, followed by a rash of tiny red spots. Additionally, the measles virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has been present, contributing to its high contagiousness. Health officials have emphasized that a significant capacity exists for the disease to spread among unvaccinated populations.
Individuals who suspect they may have measles or believe they were exposed are encouraged to contact a healthcare provider prior to visiting medical facilities to prevent potential spread within waiting rooms. Following the case, authorities continue to advocate for vaccination, specifically the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella), as a safe and effective measure against the virus. Recent data shows that Georgia’s MMR vaccination rates have fallen, with only 86.8% of kindergarten children fully up-to-date as of last year.
This latest development underscores the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks of infectious diseases like measles, which can have serious consequences for those infected.
FAQ
- What triggered the public health alert in Atlanta?
- The diagnosis of an unvaccinated Fulton County resident with measles prompted the alert, as there was potential exposure on the Georgia State University campus and surrounding areas.
- When was the measles case reported?
- The Georgia Department of Public Health confirmed the case on Friday, with the individual’s potential contagious period between September 2 and September 11.
- What are the symptoms of measles?
- Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and may include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a rash of tiny red spots.
- How contagious is the measles virus?
- The measles virus is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has been present.
- What should someone do if they suspect they have measles?
- Individuals who suspect they have been exposed or have symptoms should contact a healthcare provider before visiting medical facilities.
- What measures are being recommended to prevent further spread of measles?
- Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is highly recommended to prevent measles outbreaks.
Key Features of the Measles Public Health Alert
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Case Diagnosis | Unvaccinated Fulton County resident diagnosed with measles. |
| Potential Exposure Locations | Georgia State University, Sweetgreen restaurant, Inter Atlanta FC events. |
| Symptoms of Measles | High fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, rash. |
| Contagiousness | Virus can linger in the air for up to two hours. |
| Vaccination Rate | 86.8% of kindergarten children fully vaccinated in Georgia. |
| Health Advisory | Individuals urged to contact healthcare providers if experiencing symptoms or exposure. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Georgia Faces Measles Outbreak Amid Declining Vaccination Rates
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- WSB TV
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Patch
- Google Search: Measles Health Information
- Wikipedia: Measles
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
