NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Tennessee Department of Health has reported the state's first cases of measles amid an outbreak in Texas and New Mexico.
According to the health department, the individual —only identified as a Middle Tennessee resident— is believed to have become infected with measles in early March.
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The resident is reportedly recovering at home while officials are working to identify the source of the infection and if any other individuals were potentially exposed to the virus.
As of March 20, the CDC has confirmed 378 measles cases in at least 18 jurisdictions this year, including Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to the CDC, measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Symptoms appear seven to 14 days after contact with the virus, causing high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash.
There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable.
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, thanks to "the highly effective vaccination program in the United States," per the CDC.
Is there a way to prevent measles?
The CDC says the best way to avoid measles is to get the MMR vaccine, which is usually "administered as the combination measles, mumps and rubella." Per vaccination recommendations, children should get the first dose at 12 through 15 months; and the second between 4 and 6 years old.
The Tennessee Department of Health has noticed a drop in the MMR — or measles mumps and rubella — vaccination rate for children between two and three years old.
What areas are affected the most by the 2025 measles outbreak?
As of publication, the biggest outbreaks are in Texas and New Mexico. In fact, Texas health officials reported a total of 279 cases across the state. Meanwhile, New Mexico health officials reportedly announced three new cases this week, bringing the state's total to 38.
Last month, an unvaccinated school-aged child who was hospitalized with measles died, marking the first death in the Texas outbreak.
To learn more about measles cases and outbreaks, click here. Tennesseans should call 615-741-7247 to report any suspected cases.