By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

In a follow-up on the measles situation in Cobb County, Georgia, state health officials confirmed three additional cases of measles in Cobb County residents. At least two of the three individuals  are unvaccinated, and the vaccination history of the third is unclear.

Georgia
Image/Clker-Free-Vector-Images

These individuals may have exposed other people to measles between Oct. 30 – Nov. 13.

So far this year, there are 11 confirmed cases of measles in Georgia – more cases than in the previous decade combined.

“These additional cases of measles should be highly concerning for anyone who is not vaccinated with MMR. Measles is a serious disease, one which can lead to dangerous complications, even death,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H. “The MMR vaccine is safe and about 97% effective in preventing measles. Vaccination is strongly advised for individuals not only to protect themselves, but to protect vulnerable populations – such as infants who are too young to be vaccinated and those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.”

Nationally, 1,261 individual cases of measles have been confirmed in 31 states through Nov. 7.