The Tennessee Department of Health confirmed Tennessee’s first case of measles from a middle Tennessee resident (according to TN.gov) on Friday, March 21.
As of print time Tuesday, April 8, there have been a total of four confirmed cases in Tennessee, all from the Mid- and Upper Cumblerland Regions.
There has been a measles outbreak throughout the United States involving 300 cases in 11 different states, including two deaths. The individual from middle Tennessee became infected in early March and is currently at home recovering. Public health officials in the state are working to identify other locations and/or persons who potentially could be exposed to the virus.
TDH encourages consultation with a medical practitioner/provider about measles prevention. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles. It is important for medical providers to consider measles and report suspected cases immediately to TDH at 615-741-7247. For more information about measles visit online at https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/reportable-diseases/measles-rubeola.html.
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health, tn.gov/health, is to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all people in Tennessee.
