The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed three additional measles cases connected to the current metro Atlanta outbreak, bringing the number of cases associated with that outbreak to eight. DPH says the outbreak is connected to a daycare setting in the metro Atlanta area. The children involved were either unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated. State health officials are working to notify people who may have been exposed to the virus and who could be at increased risk of developing measles. Measles symptoms generally appear seven to 14 days after exposure, although symptoms can develop anywhere from four to 21 days later. The illness usually begins with high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. A rash of small red spots typically follows, beginning around the head and spreading to the rest of the body. The Department of Public Health says the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, is safe and effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children receive their first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. Anyone who becomes sick or believes they may have been exposed to measles is urged to contact a healthcare provider immediately. DPH specifically warns people not to go directly to a doctor’s office, hospital or public health clinic without calling first. Advance notice allows healthcare providers to take precautions to reduce the risk of exposing other patients.…
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