A measles outbreak tied to a daycare in metro Atlanta has grown to eight cases, the Georgia Department of Public Health said in late September. The children involved were either unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated.

With those cases, Georgia had confirmed 14 measles cases in 2026 at the time of the announcement, compared with 10 in all of 2025.

Babies and toddlers are among the most vulnerable to measles, so here's what Columbus parents and child care providers should know.

Young children are at higher risk

Children usually get their first MMR shot at 12 to 15 months old and their second at 4 to 6 years old, so babies and young toddlers may not be fully protected yet. That's why measles cases in a daycare setting are taken so seriously.

Georgia requires children in child care facilities, as well as schools, to have a Georgia Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231) showing their required vaccines. If your child's shots aren't up to date, talk with your pediatrician.

Signs to watch for

Measles symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, but can range from 4 to 21 days. It typically starts with a high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by a rash of tiny red spots that starts on the head.

If you think your child was exposed

• Call your doctor first. Do not go to a doctor's office, hospital or clinic without calling ahead.
• No doctor? Call the state health department's epidemiology line at 404-657-2588 on weekdays, or 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584) evenings and weekends.
• Stay home and keep away from others, especially babies under 1 and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Getting vaccinated in Columbus

• Columbus Health Department, 5601 Veterans Parkway (lower level), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 833-337-1749.
• Free or low-cost vaccines for eligible children are available through the Vaccines for Children program. Call 706-321-6300.

More information: dph.georgia.gov.