ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has identified the likely source of the current measles outbreak in Cobb County. Five previously unreported cases of measles in one family in Cobb County occurred in early October. These five cases are presumably linked to out of state travel where other cases of measles have been reported. These five individuals are now out of the infectious stage.

DPH is also confirming two additional cases of measles. These two cases are siblings of a previously confirmed case. These siblings have not been at school, so there are no additional school exposures. Unvaccinated individuals who were exposed by a middle school student earlier this month are still being kept at home, away from the public during the 21-day incubation period that ends Nov. 22.

DPH continues to notify all individuals who may have been exposed to measles virus during this outbreak, and may be at increased risk for developing measles. As of now, this outbreak is contained to three families in Cobb County. None of the individuals with measles were vaccinated, or their vaccination status is unclear. The number of cases in this current outbreak is 11, and the state total for 2019 (to date) is 18 cases of measles.

“Measles vaccination (MMR) is safe and effective and prevents outbreaks,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., DPH commissioner. “The current measles outbreak in Georgia is small compared to other outbreaks documented around the country. However, the toll even a single case of measles takes goes well beyond physical illness - impacting economies, work forces, education, health care systems, and creating a public health burden to protect vulnerable populations.”

Measles spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Droplets from the nose or mouth become airborne, or land on surfaces where they can live for up to two hours. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people around him or her will also become infected if they are not vaccinated.

Measles starts with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Then a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.

People with symptoms of measles should contact their health care provider immediately. DO NOT go to the doctor’s office, the hospital, or a public health clinic without FIRST calling to let them know about your symptoms. Health care providers who suspect measles in a patient should notify public health immediately.

For more information about measles and measles vaccine, log on to https://www.vaccines.gov/diseases/measles or https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.