Surge in Measles Cases Raises Concerns in Georgia

News Summary

The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed a fifth case of measles in 2025, linked to an unvaccinated resident in metro Atlanta. This case adds to the ongoing concerns about rising measles infections attributed to declining vaccination rates. Health officials are administering MMR vaccines to those who may have been exposed, but vaccination rates in the state remain below the herd immunity threshold. Public health efforts are focused on monitoring and preventing further outbreaks as measles continues to pose a significant risk, especially among unvaccinated individuals.

Atlanta, Georgia – The Georgia Department of Public Health (GaDPH) confirmed a fifth case of measles in 2025, involving an unvaccinated metro Atlanta resident linked to a previously infected individual. This recent case emerges as health officials continue to monitor the situation, primarily focused on individuals who may have been exposed to those infected.

The first measles infection in this cluster was identified in May after the affected person traveled outside the United States. As a precautionary measure, the GaDPH has administered the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine or antibodies to individuals who may have had close contact with the infected family members. Monitoring for symptoms is ongoing for approximately a dozen individuals to ensure that no further spread occurs.

Health officials report that both individuals in this cluster who contracted measles were unvaccinated, raising concerns about the overall vaccination rates within the region. In 2024, Georgia saw a total of only six reported measles cases, but the new increases reinforce the continuing challenges faced in public health.

Measles, once declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, has seen a resurgence recently, largely attributed to declining vaccination rates and rising vaccine hesitancy, influenced by misinformation. As of late May 2025, the United States reported 1,088 measles cases, a stark increase from just 285 cases in 2024.

Vaccination Rates and Public Health Efforts

The MMR vaccine is recognized as both safe and effective, with over 95% of recipients developing immunity after just one dose. To combat the recent outbreak risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first MMR shot between 12 and 15 months old, followed by a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. However, in Georgia, kindergarten vaccination rates are concerningly below the recommended 95% herd immunity threshold, with only 88.4% of kindergarteners having received both vaccinations.

The Threat of Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can result in severe complications, especially among unvaccinated individuals. Complications can include pneumonia, brain damage, and even death. Symptoms of measles typically manifest as a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, followed by a distinctive red rash.

Conclusion and Future Monitoring

Public health officials are actively working to manage the situation and emphasize the importance of vaccination as a critical measure to protect community health. Ongoing monitoring and vaccination campaigns are crucial steps aimed at preventing further outbreaks and maintaining herd immunity throughout Georgia and beyond.

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HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Rough Draft Atlanta
• Wikipedia: Measles
• WSB TV
• Google Search: Measles outbreak Georgia
• Macon News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Vaccination
• The Georgia Sun
• Google News: MMR vaccine Georgia
• Times Free Press