Measles may sound like a childhood illness, but adults can get it too. In May 2026, the Georgia Department of Public Health confirmed three measles cases in a metro Atlanta family. The family was unvaccinated and had traveled internationally.
For people living in the Lithonia and greater Atlanta area, this is a good reminder to know your vaccination history and understand what measles can look like.
Why Measles Can Spread So Easily
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known. It spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.
A person with measles can also spread the virus before the rash appears. According to the CDC, people are generally contagious from four days before the rash starts through four days afterward.
This means someone may not realize they have measles when they are already capable of spreading it.
What Does Measles Feel Like?
Measles usually does not begin with the rash that most people associate with the illness. Early symptoms can look more like a common respiratory infection.
You may develop:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red or watery eyes
- Tiredness
A few days later, a red rash usually begins on the face or head and spreads downward across the body. Symptoms generally begin 7 to 14 days after exposure.
Because the early symptoms can resemble other illnesses, knowing whether you have been vaccinated becomes especially important.
How Do You Know If You’re Protected?
The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. For most adults, having documentation of vaccination or other evidence of immunity can help determine whether they are protected.
If you are unsure whether you received the MMR vaccine, don’t assume that you are either protected or unprotected. Your healthcare provider can review your history and discuss whether vaccination or testing is appropriate for you.
Adults should also pay attention before international travel, since measles continues to circulate in many parts of the world. The CDC recommends that eligible travelers have two MMR doses before traveling internationally.
What Should You Do If You Think You Were Exposed?
If you believe you have been exposed to measles, contact a healthcare provider promptly and explain the possible exposure before arriving at a medical office. This allows the healthcare team to take precautions to protect other patients and staff.
If you develop a fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or a rash after a possible exposure, seek medical advice promptly. People who have measles should avoid contact with others while they are contagious.
Know Where You Stand
The recent cases in metro Atlanta are a useful reminder that measles is not only something to think about when your child needs a school vaccine. Adults can become infected too, particularly when they do not have evidence of immunity. To book an appointment with us for a measles shot, click on this link: https://firstlithonia.com/book
Knowing your vaccination history, recognizing the early symptoms, and talking with your healthcare provider when you are unsure can help you make informed decisions about your health.
If you have questions about your MMR vaccination history or possible measles exposure, First Lithonia Medical Center can help you understand your next steps.