ATLANTA (WSAV) — The fourth confirmed case of measles in Georgia was confirmed Monday.

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) says an unvaccinated resident in the Greater Atlanta area tested positive. The individual acquired the virus while traveling internationally. DPH is working to identify any persons who may have been exposed through contact with the individual between May 10 and May 18, when they were infectious.

Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.

Measles symptoms appear 7-14 days after contact with the virus, typically including high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then, a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. 

This is the fourth reported measles case in Georgia in 2025. In 2024, there were six reported cases of measles in Georgia.