ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Five people out of more than 200 who were recently exposed to measles on the Georgia State University campus and other locations in Fulton County are being actively monitored, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).

All five people are unvaccinated.

“Active monitoring involves logging in to DPH’s surveillance portal daily and reporting their overall health, how they’re feeling, as well as any symptoms they may have. If they are experiencing symptoms, they are directed to call us immediately. If they miss reporting any day, we contact them,” health department officials said.

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The exposure came after a Fulton County resident, who was also unvaccinated, caught the measles. Exposure to the measles was tracked to two Georgia State University buildings in downtown Atlanta, a nearby restaurant and three different soccer games and practices through Inter Atlanta FC, according to the health department.

On Monday afternoon, Georgia State University confirmed that a student had tested positive for measles.

“The university is complying fully with all public health guidance and protocols to help protect the health and safety of our campus community,” a GSU spokesperson said in a statement. “The Fulton County Board of Health will conduct all official health screening protocols, and the university has informed those impacted that they will be contacted and is encouraging their cooperation and compliance.”

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world. Nine out of 10 unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will become infected, and the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours.

“I would not be surprised if we see additional cases. I hope that we do not,” said Jodie Guest, an epidemiologist at Emory University. “Infectious diseases show us how connected we all are. Our personal risk is one thing, but we also have a responsibility to the people around us.”

Georgia’s vaccination rate is the lowest in the South. Health experts warn that it puts communities — especially those with immunocompromised individuals who cannot be vaccinated — at higher risk.

“It’s Atlanta. The campus community is literally Atlanta, and Atlanta is a global hub,” said James Wilson, Georgia State’s student body president.

Wilson said the university has been proactive in notifying students and providing support.

“Public health isn’t about politics. It’s about protecting your friends and family,” he said.

DPH officials said the number of people being actively monitored could increase as more are notified.

The active monitoring period will last through Oct. 2.

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