Measles Case Reported in Georgia

Georgia Department of Health confirms new measles case in Bryan County

Feb. 22, 2026 at 9:26pm

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The Georgia Department of Health has reported a new measles case in Georgia, involving an unvaccinated Bryan County resident with no history of international travel but recent out-of-state travel. Health officials are notifying those who may have been exposed and are at increased risk of developing measles.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious complications, especially in unvaccinated individuals. This case highlights the ongoing threat of measles outbreaks driven by vaccine hesitancy, which can undermine the disease's elimination status in the United States.

The details

The individual with the confirmed measles case recently traveled out of state, though they have no history of international travel. The Georgia Department of Public Health is now notifying people who may have been exposed to the virus and are at increased risk of developing measles. This is the second reported measles case in Georgia in 2026, following 10 confirmed cases in the state last year.

  • The new measles case was reported on February 22, 2026.
  • As of February 19, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 982 confirmed measles cases in the United States this year.

The players

Georgia Department of Health

The state health agency responsible for monitoring and responding to public health issues, including the new measles case.

Bryan County

The county in Georgia where the unvaccinated individual with the confirmed measles case resides.

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What’s next

Health officials are urging anyone with measles symptoms to contact their healthcare provider immediately, but not to go to the doctor's office or a public health clinic without calling first.

The takeaway

This measles case underscores the importance of vaccination, as the disease can spread rapidly among unvaccinated populations. It also highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining the elimination of measles in the United States, as outbreaks driven by vaccine hesitancy continue to pose a public health threat.