Measles case confirmed in Macon County, Georgia’s 2026 total reaches 22
DPH is working to identify others who may have been exposed.
MACON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a new measles case in an unvaccinated Macon County resident, bringing the state’s total to 22 cases in 2026.
According to DPH, Georgia reported 10 measles cases during all of 2025.
Health officials say the individual is isolating at home, while unvaccinated close contacts are quarantining.
The resident has no known travel history but had contact with a confirmed measles case from Pennsylvania, where an ongoing outbreak has surpassed 1,100 cases.
DPH is working to identify others who may have been exposed.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves.
Health officials say the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection against the disease.
“The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. Measles spreads quickly, and vaccination now can help prevent further spread,” said Cherie Drenzek, state epidemiologist. “One dose provides about 93% protection against measles, and two doses increase protection to about 97%.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose between 12 and 15 months and the second between ages 4 and 6.
Infants between 6 and 11 months who are traveling internationally should receive an early dose before traveling, followed by two additional doses after their first birthday.
Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by a red rash that begins on the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
Anyone experiencing measles symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately. DPH advises people not to visit a doctor’s office, hospital or public health clinic without calling ahead to report their symptoms.
