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The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a measles infection in an individual residing in the Atlanta metro area. The unvaccinated patient was likely infected during international travel.
DPH is reminding clinicians to consider measles in unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated persons with fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis and a morbilliform rash. Immediately mask and isolate people with suspected measles in an airborne infection isolation room if available and use an N-95 mask when caring for the patient. Report suspected cases of measles immediately by calling your local District Health Office or the DPH Acute Epidemiology Section who will provide guidance on testing. For more information, read the health alert and press release.
Measles is an extremely contagious disease with rare but serious complications, and it is understandable that your patients and their families may be concerned. The MMR vaccination provides a safe and effective foundation of protection—it prevents measles infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccine refusal is at an all-time high post pandemic. Please leverage every healthcare encounter to discuss the safety and efficacy of immunization for measles and other vaccine preventable diseases. Children’s has developed choa.org/measles and an infographic with information about measles that you can use in your practice or share with patients and their families.
Times like these provide a reminder of just how much the work you do means in our communities. Thank you for your commitment and dedication, and for all the ways you do everything possible to make anything possible for kids.
Please contact Georgia DPH if you have questions or concerns, or if you need to make a report.
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