Georgia confirms 25 measles cases as Macon County reports three more infections

The Georgia Department of Public Health confirmed three new measles cases in Macon County on Tuesday, bringing the state total for 2026 to 25.

Officials stated that all three newly infected individuals are unvaccinated residents of Macon County. Each person had close contact with an earlier case identified on Oct. 12. The initial Macon County patient had no travel history but was exposed to an infected individual from Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania currently reports more than 1,300 cases statewide.

DPH issued a public exposure alert after determining that one of the infected individuals visited a LongHorn Steakhouse on Hampton Court in Perry on the evening of Oct. 7 while infectious. Health officials have begun contact tracing and notified others who may have been exposed. The department emphasized that vaccination is the most effective protection against the virus. The CDC recommends the first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years.

State records show Georgia recorded 10 confirmed measles cases in 2025. The current count of 25 represents a substantial increase for the same period. DPH has not disclosed the ages of the three new patients. Officials also have not released details on whether local schools, child care centers, or churches in Macon County were exposed. It is unclear if any of the three patients required hospitalization or are currently isolated at home.

Macon County is located in southwest Georgia, 114 miles from Atlanta. It is distinct from the City of Macon, which sits in Bibb County. Health officials advise anyone with symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a spreading rash to contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Patients should call ahead before visiting a doctor, hospital, or clinic. This allows facilities to prepare isolation precautions and prevents the airborne virus from exposing other patients and staff.