The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is alerting residents to a possible measles exposure at a Perry restaurant following confirmation of a new case in Macon County. The announcement comes as Georgia continues to report an increase in measles cases during 2026.
According to DPH, Georgia had recorded 22 confirmed measles cases as of October 13, compared with 10 cases during all of 2025.
The latest case involves an unvaccinated Macon County resident who had contact with a person from Pennsylvania with a confirmed measles infection. State health officials said the Georgia resident had no known travel history and was isolating at home.
On Monday, October 19, DPH announced that its investigation had identified a location where members of the public may have been exposed to measles.
The potential exposure occurred at:
LongHorn Steakhouse
100 Hampton Court
Perry, Georgia
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Anyone who was at the restaurant during that period may have been exposed to the virus. Health officials advise individuals who may have been exposed and are not immune to measles to monitor themselves for symptoms through October 28.
People who develop symptoms should contact a healthcare provider before visiting a medical office or emergency department so precautions can be taken to prevent additional exposures.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms typically begin seven to 14 days after exposure, although they can develop later.
Early symptoms may include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
A characteristic rash usually develops several days after the first symptoms, beginning on the face and spreading downward to the rest of the body.
Measles can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children, pregnant individuals and people with weakened immune systems. Complications may include pneumonia and inflammation of the brain.
DPH continues to encourage Georgians to review their vaccination status. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the primary method of preventing measles. The CDC recommends that children routinely receive their first dose at 12–15 months and their second dose at 4–6 years.
According to the CDC, two doses of the MMR vaccine are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles. Individuals who are unsure whether they have received the vaccine should contact their healthcare provider or local health department.
No Confirmed Jeff Davis County Case Announced
As of the latest information reviewed for this report, the Georgia Department of Public Health has not announced a confirmed measles case in Jeff Davis County.
The newly identified public exposure occurred in Houston County, and the confirmed patient resides in Macon County. While the exposure is not local to Jeff Davis County, public health officials emphasize that measles can spread quickly among individuals who are not protected against the disease.
Residents who traveled to Perry during the identified exposure period are encouraged to review the state’s guidance.
Hazlehurst Now will continue following updates from the Georgia Department of Public Health as additional information becomes available.
Official Sources:
Georgia Department of Public Health — October 19, 2026:
https://dph.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-10-19/dph-measles-investigation-identifies-potential-public-exposures
Georgia Department of Public Health — October 13, 2026:
https://dph.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-10-13/dph-confirms-new-measles-case-urges-vaccination
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/
