Atlanta Health Brief: Measles Update, Community Screenings, and Spring Allergy Prep

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Atlanta, GA – February 23, 2026 – Measles alert, a wellness summit recap, plus Medicaid waiver advocacy and early pollen season tips for families.

Measles case prompts a renewed vaccination reminder

Atlanta-area clinicians are reminding families to double-check MMR vaccination status after Georgia confirmed its second measles case of 2026. The Georgia Department of Public Health said the latest case involved an unvaccinated Bryan County resident who recently traveled out of state.

Measles spreads through the air and can linger after an infected person leaves a room, so early recognition matters. If you or your child develops fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and then a spreading rash, call your doctor before you go in so the office can reduce exposure to others.

Black Health Matters summit brings screenings and practical guidance

Community wellness also took center stage at the Black Health Matters Winter Health Summit, hosted Feb. 21 at Friendship Baptist Church. Organizers paired education sessions with free on-site screenings (including blood pressure checks, bone health and mammogram-related resources) and connections to community partners.

The takeaway for Atlantans: prevention works best when it is convenient. If you have been putting off a primary care visit, use events like this to get a baseline and then schedule follow-up care with a local clinician.

Families push for more Medicaid waiver slots

Advocacy groups and parents are urging state lawmakers to add more Medicaid waiver slots for people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. FOX 5 Atlanta reported that Parent to Parent of Georgia is asking legislators to fund 1,217 NOW and COMP waiver slots this fiscal year, compared with 100 proposed by the governor.

For many families, waiver services can mean in-home supports, therapies, and respite care that reduce caregiver burnout and help people remain at home and in the community.

Early pollen season: plan now, not when symptoms spike

Finally, Atlanta’s yearly ‘yellow season’ is ramping up. FOX 5 Atlanta noted that while pine pollen is the most visible, oak and birch are often the biggest drivers of allergy symptoms. Tree pollen typically runs from late February through May, with peaks in late March and mid-April.

  • Start or restart allergy meds before your worst weeks (ask your clinician what fits your history).
  • Shower and change clothes after being outdoors to reduce pollen tracked inside.
  • Keep windows closed on high-count days and consider a HEPA filter for bedrooms.

Bottom line: Check vaccine records, take advantage of free screening opportunities, and get ahead of seasonal allergies while advocacy efforts continue around disability supports.

Sources

  • https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/02/22/measles-case-reported-georgia/
  • https://www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news/black-health-matters-atlanta-health-summit-empowers-community-wellness/
  • https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/groups-push-ga-lawmakers-more-medicaid-waivers
  • https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/georgia-pollen-count-explained-seasonal-allergies

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