Health officials in Georgia have confirmed two additional measles cases linked to an Atlanta daycare, as the US experiences its highest measles numbers since 1991, prompting renewed vaccination concerns.
Health officials in Georgia have confirmed two more measles infections linked to a metro Atlanta daycare, lifting the outbreak there to 10 cases, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health. The agency said the children who tested positive were either unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, and it is still trying to identify anyone else who may have been exposed.
The outbreak comes as measles continues to spread across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the country had recorded more than 3,294 confirmed cases as of September 10, the highest national total since 1991. The virus has now been reported in 47 jurisdictions, including Georgia.
Georgia’s tally for 2026 now stands at 16 confirmed measles cases, the state health department said. Officials have not named the daycare, but they have urged families to stay alert for symptoms, which usually appear one to two weeks after exposure and can begin with fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes before a rash develops.
Public health experts say the best protection remains the MMR vaccine, which guards against measles, mumps and rubella. The CDC recommends the first dose for children at 12 to 15 months and a second dose at four to six years. Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, making rapid vaccination and isolation important when cases are identified.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
