Fulton County, Georgia, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Health officials in Fulton County, Georgia, have confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated resident, raising concerns about the potential spread of the disease. The individual exposed others between September 2 and September 11, while health officials are working to notify potentially affected individuals. This case is part of a troubling trend, with six reported measles cases in Georgia this year, contributing to a national outbreak. Vaccination rates in the state remain below the national average, underscoring the importance of public health measures.
Atlanta, Georgia – The Georgia Department of Health has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated resident of Fulton County. The individual is believed to have exposed others in the region between September 2 and September 11, raising concerns about potential further spread of the disease. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges regarding vaccination rates and public health safety in Georgia.
The infected person did not travel outside of the United States prior to contracting measles, which amplifies the urgency of the situation. Health officials from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) are currently working with the Fulton County Board of Health, Georgia State University (GSU), Inter Atlanta FC, and the local restaurant chain Sweetgreen to reach out to individuals who may have been exposed during various activities, including outdoor soccer games and practices.
The DPH is also advising healthcare providers to maintain heightened vigilance for any patients displaying symptoms of measles. Symptoms commonly manifest between seven to 14 days after exposure, and they include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a characteristic rash of small, red spots. Notably, the infected individual is no longer in the infectious stage of the disease.
This latest case is among six reported measles cases in Georgia in 2025, contributing to a national trend reflecting the worst year for measles spread in the United States in over three decades. Nationwide, 164 confirmed measles cases have been documented this year, alongside three deaths attributed to the recent outbreaks, including the first death linked to measles in Texas in a decade.
Health officials warn that measles is extremely contagious, spreading through airborne droplets expelled by sneezes and coughs. They emphasize the importance of vaccinations, specifically the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine, known to be safe and effective. However, Georgia’s measles vaccination rate remains below the national average, falling short of the 95% vaccination threshold necessary to achieve herd immunity.
Factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy include widespread misinformation regarding vaccine safety, chiefly unfounded claims linking the MMR vaccine to autism. The continuing decline in vaccination rates has raised alarm among public health experts, echoing a similar scenario that led to a severe outbreak in Samoa in 2019.
In response to the current measles outbreak, the public is strongly advised to contact healthcare providers if they suspect exposure or exhibit symptoms before visiting clinics or hospitals. This precaution is essential to prevent further infections, especially given that untreated measles can lead to serious complications such as brain swelling.
While Georgia law mandates vaccinations for children attending nursery schools, daycare, and pre-kindergarten programs, there are exemptions that continue to affect overall vaccination rates. Currently, only 64.3% of Georgia’s 2-year-olds have received all the recommended vaccines, signaling a worrying trend that needs immediate attention from both health officials and the community.
As the situation evolves, public health officials are committed to keeping residents informed and safe. The collaboration among various health organizations aims to mitigate the risks associated with this outbreak and encourage vaccination to bolster community health.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of measles?
Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a rash of tiny, red spots.
How is measles spread?
Measles is extremely contagious and spreads through the air from sneezes and coughs.
What measures are in place to prevent the spread of measles?
The Georgia Department of Public Health is notifying potentially exposed individuals and urging vaccinations, specifically the MMR vaccine, to prevent further outbreaks.
What is the vaccination rate in Georgia?
As of now, only 64.3% of Georgia’s 2-year-olds have received all recommended vaccine doses, which is below the national average.
Key Features of the Measles Outbreak
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Fulton County, Georgia |
| Cases in 2025 | 6 reported measles cases |
| Symptoms of Measles | High fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, rash |
| Vaccination Rate | 64.3% of 2-year-olds fully vaccinated |
| National Context | 164 cases reported in the U.S. in 2025, including 3 deaths |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Measles Outbreak in Atlanta: Georgia State University Reports Case
Public Health Alert Issued in Atlanta Due to Measles Case
High School Safety Concerns in Flowery Branch, Georgia
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Measles Case in Fulton County
- Wikipedia: Measles
- Axios: What You Need to Know About Measles in Georgia
- Google Search: Measles in Georgia
- WRDW: What Georgia Residents Need to Know About Measles Outbreak
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- Atlanta News First: Georgia Officials Warn of Measles Misinformation
- Google News: Measles Outbreak Georgia
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.
