Georgia has now confirmed 21 measles cases this year, more than double the state's total for all of 2025, after the Georgia Department of Public Health announced five new cases in a Jasper County family on Oct. 1.

The five siblings were either unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, and at least one had traveled out of state, according to the state health department. The state says these cases are not connected to the earlier outbreak in Cobb County.

Here's what Columbus families need to know.

Why measles is a concern

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases there is. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can linger in a room for up to two hours after that person leaves.

Symptoms usually show up 7 to 14 days after exposure, but can take up to 21 days. Measles typically starts with a high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by a rash of tiny red spots that begins on the head and spreads down the body.

The vaccine: what Georgia requires

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella. One dose protects more than 95% of people, and a second dose raises protection to about 98%, according to the state health department.

The CDC recommends a first dose at 12 to 15 months old and a second dose at 4 to 6 years old.

Georgia requires two doses of measles vaccine, typically given as two MMR shots, for children entering school. Muscogee County School District students from pre-K through 12th grade must have a valid Georgia Certificate of Immunization, Form 3231, on file.

Where to get the MMR vaccine in Columbus

• Your child's doctor is the first place to check.
• Columbus Health Department, 5601 Veterans Parkway (lower level), offers immunizations Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 833-337-1749.
• No insurance, or insurance that doesn't cover vaccines? Call the Columbus Health Department at 706-321-6300 to ask about free or low-cost shots through the federal Vaccines for Children program.

If you think someone has measles

Call your doctor right away. Do not walk into a doctor's office, emergency room or health clinic without calling first, so staff can keep measles from spreading to other patients, especially babies and people with weak immune systems.

For more information, visit dph.georgia.gov/measles-georgia.