Measles Outbreak: Health Officials Highlight Risks for Young Children

January 13, 2026 - 12:27

A baby too young to receive routine measles vaccinations has become the first reported case of measles in Georgia this year. Health officials are sounding the alarm about the heightened vulnerability of younger children to this highly contagious disease.

Measles can spread rapidly, particularly among unvaccinated populations, and infants are at a significant risk since they typically do not receive their first dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine until they are 12 months old. Experts emphasize that young children lack the immunity that older children and adults may have developed either through vaccination or previous exposure to the virus.

Health officials are urging parents to ensure that their older children are vaccinated on schedule to create a protective barrier around younger siblings and other vulnerable individuals. The recent case serves as a critical reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks and protecting public health. Community awareness and vaccination efforts are essential to safeguard against the resurgence of measles and other preventable diseases.