The Georgia Department of Health has confirmed a case of measles in metro Atlanta. The individual was unvaccinated and spent more than a week in public places — including Georgia State University, Sweetgreen on North Avenue, and Inter Atlanta FC soccer matches — before the infection was identified. Students, families, and community members may now face exposure to one of the most contagious viruses in the world.

Measles was once considered eliminated in the United States. But gaps in vaccination rates have allowed it to return, putting children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people at serious risk. Health experts warn that an unvaccinated person exposed to measles has a 90% chance of becoming infected. The virus can linger in the air for hours and cause life-threatening complications. This means a single preventable case can turn into dozens more if urgent action isn’t taken.

Parents should never have to worry that their child will be exposed to measles in a classroom or on a soccer field. College students shouldn’t face exposure while attending lectures. Georgia families deserve protection from a disease that is entirely preventable through safe and effective vaccines.

This outbreak is a wake-up call. Georgia needs stronger public health measures to stop measles before it spreads. That means free and accessible vaccination clinics, rapid-response outreach to exposed communities, and clear communication that prioritizes facts over fear. It also means ensuring parents and students know where and how to get vaccinated without barriers.

We call on Governor Brian Kemp, the Georgia Department of Public Health, and the Fulton County Board of Health to act immediately: expand vaccination access, strengthen public awareness campaigns, and commit to preventing future outbreaks before more lives are put at risk.

Measles doesn’t wait. Georgia can stop this now — but only if leaders take action today.