ATLANTA - Due to recent reports of measles cases occurring throughout the U.S., the Georgia Department of Community Health’s Division of Public Health encourages children and adults to ensure that their vaccinations are up-to-date.

While no cases have recently been reported in Georgia, the incubation period of measles is approximately 10 days.  Measles is highly contagious and can be transmitted through contact with respiratory secretions and through the air by coughing and sneezing. 

Symptoms include fever, runny nose and cough followed within 3-4 days by a rash that starts at the hairline and spreads over the body.  Possible complications can include ear infection, pneumonia, and rarely neurological complications and death.