Possible measles exposure at LongHorn Steakhouse in Perry on Oct. 7

The Georgia Department of Public Health issued a warning about potential measles exposure at the LongHorn Steakhouse located at 100 Hampton Court in Perry on October 7, between 7 and 10 p.m., FOX 5 Atlanta reported.

This alert follows the confirmation of a measles case in a person who visited the restaurant while contagious, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. Health officials advise anyone present during that time to review their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms until October 28.

Symptoms of measles typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days. Initial signs include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a red rash starting on the head and spreading downward, FOX 5 Atlanta explained.

Health authorities recommend that anyone experiencing symptoms contact a healthcare provider immediately but call ahead before visiting to prevent further spread. Measles spreads through airborne droplets and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, FOX 5 Atlanta noted.

The Georgia Department of Public Health emphasized that the MMR vaccine offers the best protection against measles. The CDC advises two doses for children, with the first between 12 and 15 months and the second between ages 4 and 6, FOX 5 Atlanta reported.