Unvaccinated Family Members of Previous Case

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed two additional measles cases in unvaccinated metro Atlanta residents. These two cases are family members of the case confirmed earlier this year in January.

DPH contacted persons that may have been exposed through contact with the individuals with measles. They have been given vaccine or antibodies to help reduce the risk of developing measles and are being monitored for symptoms. As of now, no secondary cases have been reported outside of the family.

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent measles and rubella. The vaccine is safe and effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12-15 months of age and a second dose between 4-6 years old. More than 95% of the people who receive a single dose of MMR will develop immunity to all three viruses. A second dose boosts immunity, typically enhancing protection to 98%.

For more information about measles, log on to https://dph.georgia.gov/epidemiology/acute-disease-epidemiology/vaccine-preventable-diseases/measles or https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.