News Summary
Health officials in Fulton County have confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated resident who did not travel internationally. The Georgia Department of Public Health issued warnings for potential exposure sites between early September. This situation underscores the importance of vaccination as rates have declined, raising concerns for public health. Symptoms may appear weeks after exposure, prompting officials to remind the community of the need for vigilance and vaccination to prevent further outbreaks.
Atlanta, Georgia – Health officials have confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated resident of Fulton County. The individual, who had not traveled internationally, has completed the infectious stage of the disease. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is now warning the public of potential exposures that occurred between September 2 and September 11, 2025.
Potential exposure sites include several locations within the Georgia State University (GSU) campus, specifically the Aderhold Learning Building and Langdale Hall on September 2 and September 4. Additionally, the Sweetgreen Restaurant on North Avenue was identified as a potential site of exposure on September 3, 6, and 8. Soccer practices and games with Inter Atlanta FC on September 3, 6, and 7 are also under scrutiny for possible infection spread.
In response to the confirmed case, the DPH is collaborating with the Fulton County Board of Health, Georgia State University, Inter Atlanta FC, and Sweetgreen to contact individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. Authorities are encouraging healthcare providers to be vigilant and aware of measles symptoms among their patients, as they typically manifest between 7 to 14 days after exposure, although it can take up to 21 days for symptoms to appear.
Common symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a rash that begins at the head and spreads across the body. Individuals who experience these symptoms are urged to remain at home and contact a healthcare provider before seeking medical attention to prevent further exposure to others.
According to Dr. Sherry Drenzig, the state’s epidemiologist, while the risk of contracting measles in outdoor settings, such as soccer practices, is low, it is not negligible. The DPH emphasizes that the best preventive measure against measles is vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, known for its safety and effectiveness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, with a second dose administered between 4 and 6 years of age. Research indicates that over 95% of individuals who receive one dose of the vaccination develop immunity to measles, with immunity increasing to around 98% following the second dose.
The resurgence of measles has become a growing concern, as cases in Georgia and across the United States have reached levels not seen in over three decades in 2025. Public health officials attribute this increase, in part, to a decline in vaccination rates among children. These rates have fallen below the levels necessary for herd immunity, leaving populations at greater risk for outbreaks. Misinformation surrounding vaccines has played a significant role in the hesitancy among some parents regarding vaccinating their children, further complicating the public health landscape.
The DPH continues to urge community members to stay informed about vaccination and to follow recommendations to protect both themselves and others from the spread of measles. The public is reminded that measles can have severe health implications, making vaccination a crucial preventive measure.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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