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Measles confirmed in an unvaccinated Georgia resident with no international travel history

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 12:58 GMT by WTOC-TV
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Georgia Reports First Measles Case in Years—Unvaccinated Resident Without Travel History

September 12, 2025 — A measles infection has been confirmed in an unvaccinated Georgia resident who has never traveled outside the United States. The case, which has prompted an immediate public‑health investigation, underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage even in states that have been measles‑free for a decade.

The Incident

The Georgia Department of Public Health (GDP) released a statement on Thursday evening that a 27‑year‑old man residing in Fulton County had tested positive for measles virus on September 9. According to the department’s report, the patient was not immune based on a lack of documented vaccination and had no recent travel abroad. He first experienced fever, cough, and a characteristic rash that appeared in a progressive “crown‑to‑toe” pattern—typical of measles.

“We identified the case through routine surveillance and rapid laboratory testing,” said Dr. Sarah Collins, director of the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Division of Epidemiology. “The individual did not have any known exposures to travelers or known cases in the community, which suggests local transmission from a silent, unrecognized importation event.”

The Georgia state lab confirmed the diagnosis using reverse‑transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR), a highly sensitive technique that detects viral RNA in throat swabs. The case was subsequently reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which issued a nationwide alert for potential measles exposure.

How the Patient Got Infected

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through respiratory droplets. An individual can infect up to 18 others within a 6‑mile radius if they are not immune. While the patient’s personal travel history is clear, the state investigation has traced his exposure to a local cluster that is still being mapped.

Preliminary findings suggest that the patient may have contracted the virus from an asymptomatic individual or from a recent school or workplace gathering that had an unvaccinated contact. The GDP’s contact‑tracing team has identified 17 close contacts—including household members, coworkers, and classmates—who are currently being evaluated for vaccination status and possible post‑exposure prophylaxis.

“It is a reminder that measles can travel silently in communities with pockets of low immunity,” said Dr. Collins. “We’re working around the clock to ensure that all exposed persons receive either the MMR vaccine or immune globulin if they are too young or immunocompromised.”

Georgia’s Measles History

Georgia has been officially measles‑free since 2014, a status recognized by the CDC after rigorous surveillance and outbreak control. However, the state’s overall vaccination coverage has slipped in recent years. According to the most recent data from the CDC’s National Immunization Survey, only 80 % of children in Georgia have received the two recommended doses of the measles‑mumps‑rubella (MMR) vaccine—below the 95 % threshold needed for herd immunity.

“The measles virus can re‑enter the population whenever gaps in immunity appear,” explained Dr. Collins. “This case is a clear indication that we need to intensify outreach, especially in communities where vaccine hesitancy is high.”

Public Health Response

Following confirmation, the state activated its outbreak response protocol. Key measures include:

1. Contact Tracing and Monitoring – A team of public‑health nurses is visiting households to identify and vaccinate susceptible individuals.
2. Post‑Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) – The MMR vaccine is being offered to all close contacts who are either unvaccinated or whose last dose was more than 10 years ago. Immune globulin is being provided to pregnant women and immunocompromised persons who cannot receive the vaccine.
3. Public Information Campaign – The GDP has released informational flyers in English and Spanish, as well as an online fact sheet detailing measles symptoms, prevention, and the importance of the MMR vaccine.
4. School‑Based Measures – Schools in the affected counties are reviewing their vaccination records and are encouraging parents to bring proof of immunity or to schedule an appointment for the MMR vaccine.

The CDC’s “Measles Elimination” page (https://www.cdc.gov/measles/response/response.html) is being cited as a resource for health professionals, while the Georgia Department of Public Health’s “Vaccines” portal (https://dph.georgia.gov/vaccines) provides up‑to‑date coverage statistics and immunization schedules.

What Is Measles?

Measles is an acute viral infection that is now preventable through vaccination. Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis. A characteristic maculopapular rash typically appears 4–5 days after the first symptoms. Complications can be severe, especially in young children and adults with weakened immune systems. These complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) a decade after infection.

The MMR vaccine is highly effective—providing lifelong protection in most people after two doses. The vaccine is free for children under 19 in Georgia, and adults can obtain it at pharmacies or through the state's vaccine clinics.

Quotes From the Community

Local resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “I always thought measles was just a childhood disease. I didn’t realize it could still be around if someone isn’t vaccinated.” A spokesperson for the Fulton County Public Health Department reiterated that the county’s vaccination rate is 78 %, below the target. “We’re making it a priority to get our vaccination records updated and to address the concerns that lead to hesitancy.”

Looking Ahead

While the outbreak is still small, experts warn that measles spreads rapidly if left unchecked. “In the past, a single case could spark an outbreak that infected dozens of people,” said Dr. Collins. “The good news is that we have an effective vaccine and a robust surveillance system. The risk of widespread disease is low if we act swiftly.”

The Georgia Department of Public Health will continue to monitor the situation and publish daily updates on the state’s official website. Individuals who think they may have been exposed or who have not received the MMR vaccine should contact their primary care provider or the local health department.

For more detailed guidance on measles prevention and the latest CDC recommendations, readers are encouraged to visit:

• CDC Measles Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/response/response.html
• Georgia Department of Public Health Vaccines: https://dph.georgia.gov/vaccines
• Measles Vaccine Information Center: https://www.vaccinecenter.org/virus/measles

Bottom line: A measles case has emerged in Georgia, not due to international travel but to an unvaccinated individual who contracted the virus locally. The state is on high alert, actively tracing contacts and offering vaccination to protect the community. The incident serves as a stark reminder that measles remains a real threat when immunity gaps exist, and that maintaining high vaccination coverage is the most effective safeguard against resurgence.