ATLANTA — The first reported case of the measles in Georgia since 2012 has occurred.  The infant is being treated at Egleston at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

The Georgia Department of Public Health reported the case on Monday.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta is working with the hospital to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the patient and to prevent further spread.

Measles is a serious respiratory disease and is highly contagious. It spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes and respiratory droplets travel through the air. Measles virus can live in the air and on surfaces for two to three hours.

There is no cure for measles, but it can be prevented through vaccination.