ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed measles in an unvaccinated metro Atlanta resident.
Health officials says there is currently no known travel history or known exposure to someone infected with measles. Health officials are working to identify anyone who may have had contact with the person while they were infectious.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and can include a high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes.
A rash of small red spots typically starts on the head before spreading to the rest of the body, Georgia Department of Public Health officials add.
The MMR vaccine can prevent measles and rubella. DPH says the vaccine is safe and effective and recommends parents with questions about vaccination speak with their doctor.
The Atlanta-based CDC recommends children receive their first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months and a second dose between the age of four and six years old.
Last month, the CDC counted more than 2,300 cases this year.