Measles, a disease once thought to be eliminated in the United States, is making a return. In 2024, the Georgia Department of Public Health confirmed six cases of the measles. And already in 2025, there have been three cases confirmed. It’s important to know what measles is and how you can prevent contracting it and spreading it.
What is measles?
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious viruses – more contagious than the flu or COVID-19. It primarily affects the respiratory system but can also have serious effects on other parts of the body. By the year 2000, the United States had eradicated measles due to a highly effective vaccination program. Unfortunately, since 2004, the US has seen increased cases due to decreased vaccination.
How do you catch measles?
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Tiny droplets containing the virus can stay in the air or land on surfaces, where they can remain infectious for up to two hours. This means you can catch measles by breathing in contaminated air (even if the infected person has left the room) or touching a surface with the virus and then touching your face, especially your nose, mouth or eyes.
Because it’s so contagious, measles can spread rapidly in areas where people are not vaccinated. If one person has measles, up to 90% of the people around them who are not immune can also become infected. This makes measles one of the most contagious diseases known.
What are the signs and symptoms of measles?
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Early symptoms can be similar to a cold or flu, which can make measles hard to recognize at first. The most common signs and symptoms include:
- Rash: The most recognizable symptom of measles is a red rash that usually starts on the face, particularly around the hairline, and then spreads downward to the rest of the body. The rash usually appears three to five days after the initial symptoms begin and may last for a week or more. The rash often begins as flat red spots but can later develop into small, raised bumps.
- High fever: Often, a fever is the first sign of measles and can reach up to 104°F or higher.
- Cough: A persistent cough often accompanies the fever.
- Runny nose: A runny or stuffy nose is another common early symptom.
- Watery, red eyes (conjunctivitis): Many people with measles develop red, watery eyes that may be sensitive to light.
Other symptoms may include a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and tiny white spots inside the mouth, known as Koplik spots, which are a distinctive sign of measles.
Significant complications can and do occur with measles. These include seizures, brain damage and death.
Why are we seeing more cases of the measles?
Simply put, we are seeing more cases of measles due to the increase in unvaccinated people. Full immunization requires two doses of the measles vaccine – one at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at 4 to 6 years old. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, in the US, the majority of states are below the herd immunity rate.
Herd immunity means that to have the highest level of protective immunity, 95% of the population must be vaccinated. There are some individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to underlying conditions or medications, and they benefit from herd immunity.
Georgia has one of the lowest measles vaccination rates in the country. Only 88% of childrenentering kindergarten are vaccinated. Unvaccinated young children and pregnant women are most at risk for significant complications if they contract measles.
Most measles cases in the US occur when unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people travel internationally, contract the virus and then bring it back home.
The role of the measles vaccine
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from measles is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella is highly effective. Adults who have not been vaccinated or are unsure of their vaccination status can also receive the vaccine. Infants traveling outside the US who are between 6-11 months of age should receive one dose prior to travel to try to maximize protection. They will still need both doses at the recommended ages as well.
One dose of the MMR vaccine provides about 95% immunity, while a second dose boosts immunity to about 98%. This makes vaccination one of the most effective ways to prevent measles and its potential complications.
The risk to receiving the MMR vaccine is similar to other vaccines. Side effects are most commonly redness or pain at the injection site, some generalized fatigue, fever or rash at the injection site. Other risks are exceptionally rare and the benefit of receiving the vaccine far outweighs the risk.
Please know that MMR vaccines do not cause autism.
Preventing the spread
If you or someone in your family shows symptoms of measles, it is important to act quickly. Call your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and get advice on what to do next. Avoid going to public places or healthcare facilities without calling first to reduce the risk of spreading the disease to others.
Next steps
Measles is a serious, contagious disease that can cause permanent neurologic problems and death, and can almost completely be prevented with vaccination. The recent rise in cases in Georgia and elsewhere serves as a reminder of the importance of staying up to date with vaccinations, especially for those traveling internationally. By understanding how measles spreads and recognizing its symptoms, we can help protect ourselves and our communities from this preventable disease.
If you have questions or need to talk to a doctor, many providers at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group are accepting new patients and would be happy to assist you. You can find a doctor or pediatrician who best suits your needs on our website.