Five measles cases confirmed in Jasper County family
The five cases involve siblings who were unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.
MONTICELLO, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Five members of a Jasper County family have been diagnosed with measles, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.
DPH says the five are siblings and were either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated. At least one of the siblings has a history of out-of-state travel.
Health officials are working to identify anyone who may have been exposed through contact with the family.
DPH says the Jasper County cases are not connected to the earlier measles outbreak in Cobb County.
Georgia now has 21 measles cases in 2026
The five new cases bring Georgia’s total to 21 confirmed measles cases so far in 2026. The state reported 10 confirmed cases in 2025.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. DPH says the virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.
What symptoms to watch for
Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure, though DPH says they can take up to 21 days to develop. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by a rash that begins on the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
DPH says the MMR vaccine is safe and effective at preventing measles, mumps, and rubella.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children receive their first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months old and a second dose between ages 4 and 6. For babies 6 to 11 months old who are traveling internationally, the CDC recommends one dose before travel, followed by two additional doses after the child’s first birthday.
According to DPH, more than 95% of people who receive one dose of the MMR vaccine develop immunity to all three viruses, while a second dose typically increases protection to 98%.
Anyone experiencing measles symptoms should contact a healthcare provider immediately. DPH says people should call ahead before going to a doctor’s office, hospital or public health clinic so staff can prepare for a possible measles case.
