Georgia Confirms Second Measles Case of 2026 in Bryan County Resident

ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated resident of Bryan County, marking the state’s second reported case of the disease this year.

Health officials said the individual has no history of international travel but recently traveled out of state. The department is notifying people who may have been exposed and who could be at increased risk of infection.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to public health officials, the virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a rash of small red spots that begins on the head and spreads across the body.

The Department of Public Health emphasized that the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is safe and effective in preventing infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children receive the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. Infants ages 6 to 11 months traveling internationally are advised to receive one dose before travel, followed by two additional doses after their first birthday.

Officials said more than 95 percent of people who receive one dose of the vaccine develop immunity, with protection increasing to about 98 percent after the second dose. Vaccination also helps protect individuals who cannot receive the vaccine for medical reasons.

Residents experiencing symptoms consistent with measles are urged to contact their healthcare provider before visiting any medical facility so appropriate precautions can be taken. Healthcare providers who suspect measles are required to notify public health authorities immediately.

Georgia reported 10 confirmed measles cases in 2025, according to state health officials.