New measles case reported in GA. Here’s how fast the disease can spread
The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed the sixth case of measles for 2025. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this is just the most recent of the 1,333 measles cases across 40 jurisdictions.
Despite being declared “eliminated” in the US in 2000, the CDC reports measles cases in the United States have risen approximately 180% in 2025. Conversely, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation and CDC data, Georgia’s measles vaccination rates are currently below the recommended 95% for herd immunity, particularly among young children.
Of those diagnosed with measles, one in four individuals have to be hospitalized, says the National Library of Medicine, and 90% of people exposed to an infected individual will contract measles.
As the numbers of cases continue to tick upward and more cases are reported in Georgia, here’s what to know to stay healthy.
How contagious is measles, really?
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known to humans. It can spread extremely fast and it is twice as contagious as COVID-19 and up to 18 times more contagious than the flu.
The average number of people that one sick person will infect is called R0. NPR offers a comparative graphic to put measles’ RO into perspective with other common infections.
Why is measles so much more contagious?
Because this particular virus has a higher R0 than so many other diseases, it is unique to its other communicable counterparts.
Johns Hopkins Medicine explains why:
- Airborne transmission: It spreads through respiratory droplets and can linger for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
- Low infectious dose: The amount of virus needed to cause infection is very small.
- Prolonged contagious period: It is contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after.High attack rate: In an unvaccinated population, about 9 out of 10 people exposed to measles will contract it.
- Immune suppression: It causes temporary immune amnesia, which increases susceptibility to other infections.
- Lack of early recognition: Doctors may not immediately recognize the symptoms since it has been relatively eradicated.
What can you do to prevent the spread of measles?
Although there has been conflicting information coming from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about alternative treatments such as Vitamin A or cod liver oil, vaccines are still the best defense against the disease.
More than 95% of people who receive a single dose develop immunity to measles, mumps and rubella, while a second dose boosts immunity to about 97%.
The CDC is very clear on this matter. It advises the best way to protect against infection is to get the (MMR) vaccine and most people will be protected for life.
In Georgia, you can get vaccinated for measles (MMR vaccine) at local public health departments and pediatricians' offices across the state. More info on measles vaccination and cases in Georgia is available on the Georgia DPH measles page.
Are you concerned about the measles outbreak? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
This story was originally published August 2, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "New measles case reported in GA. Here’s how fast the disease can spread."