Measles in Georgia: What Parents Need to Know and How Hall Pediatrics Can Help (You Don’t Even Need to Change Pediatricians!)

As pediatricians caring for children across Georgia, we are watching the current rise in measles cases with serious concern. Recent outbreaks in neighboring states, especially South Carolina, increase the risk of measles spreading into our communities here at home. Accordingto the Georgia Department of Public Health, Georgia has already reported its first measles case of 2026 involving an infant who was too young to be vaccinated. Situations like this remind us how quickly measles can affect our most vulnerable children.

Measles is one of the most contagious viral illnesses we see in pediatrics. It spreads through coughing and sneezing and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. A child who is not immune and is exposed has a very high chance of becoming infected. Complications can include pneumonia, brain inflammation, long term neurologic injury, and in rare cases, death. Infants, pregnant individuals, and children with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk.

In recent years, measles had become uncommon in Georgia due to strong vaccination efforts. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that measles cases are increasing across multiple states. One key reason is that vaccination rates have slipped below the level needed to prevent outbreaks. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 98 percent effective at preventing measles. Public health experts agree that communities need vaccination coverage of about 95 percent to stop the virus from spreading. In Georgia, current coverage is closer to 90 percent, which leaves gaps that measles can easily exploit.

As pediatricians, we understand that parents want to make informed decisions and protect their children. The MMR vaccine has been used for more than 50 years and has an excellent safety record. Serious side effects are extremely rare, while the risks of measles infection are very real. When vaccination rates fall, measles finds opportunities to spread, often starting with unvaccinated children and then reaching infants who are too young to be protected.

Early recognition of symptoms is also important. Measles often begins with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A few days later, a rash appears and spreads over the body. If you think your child may have been exposed or is showing symptoms, it is important to seek medical guidance right away before coming into an office or emergency room so proper precautions can be taken.

This is where telehealth can play an important role. At Hall Pediatrics, we offer telehealth visits to any child in the state of Georgia. Families do not need to switch pediatricians to use this service, and we accept most health insurance plans, including Medicaid. Through a virtual visit, we can review symptoms, assess exposure risk, guide next steps, and help families decide if in person evaluation or testing is needed. Telehealth also helps reduce unnecessary exposure to other children in waiting rooms during outbreaks.

Measles is preventable, and protecting children requires both vaccination and timely medical care. We encourage parents to review their child’s immunization records, ask questions, and reach out to trusted medical professionals for guidance. Whether through an in person visit or a telehealth appointment, our goal is to support families across Georgia and keep children healthy as measles activity increases in our region.