Measles case confirmed in Fulton County, exposures possible

Unvaccinated person contracts measles in Atlanta

Georgia health officials have confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated Fulton County resident and are warning the public about possible exposures earlier this month.

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - Georgia health officials have confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated Fulton County resident and are warning the public about possible exposures earlier this month.

What we know:

The Georgia Department of Public Health said the individual is no longer contagious but may have exposed others between Sept. 2 and Sept. 11. Officials said there is no link to international travel in this case.

Potential exposure sites include Georgia State University’s Aderhold Learning Building and Langdale Hall on Sept. 2 and Sept. 4, Sweetgreen Restaurant on North Avenue on Sept. 3, Sept. 6 and Sept. 8, and soccer practices and games with Inter Atlanta FC on Sept. 3, Sept. 6 and Sept. 7.

DPH is working with the Fulton County Board of Health, Georgia State University, Inter Atlanta FC and Sweetgreen to notify people who may be at higher risk.

Symptoms and guidance

What they're saying:

Dr. Sherry Drenzig, Georgia’s state epidemiologist, said the risk of contracting measles from these settings is low but not zero. "Monitor yourself for any symptoms of measles that usually begins with a high fever, watery eyes, a runny nose, a cough, and then the development of a rash," Drenzig said.

Measle cases on the rise in Georgia: How to protect yourself

Georgia State University is on alert after an unvaccinated Fulton County resident caught the virus. How you can protect yourself.

Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and can take as long as 21 days. Health officials advise anyone who develops symptoms to stay home and call a healthcare provider before visiting a clinic, doctor’s office or hospital to avoid exposing others.

Prevention

What you can do:

DPH emphasized that measles can be prevented with the MMR vaccine. One dose provides more than 95% protection, while two doses are about 98% effective, according to federal guidelines.