On September 10th, 2024, the Tennessee Department of Health confirmed a Tennessee resident tested positive for measles.
The person reportedly recently travelled internationally, spent time in Kentucky during the infectious period, and is now recovering from the virus. The TDH has not released additional information about Tennessee’s positive measles case but have stated they have not identified additional positive measles cases in Tennessee.
The virus is highly contagious and could result in death. According to TDH, it spreads through the air when an infected person speaks, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms can include fever, headache, rash, cough, red eyes, or congestion. The illness is typically accompanied by a red, spotty rash that begins on the face and spreads over the body.
The last time the TDH reported positive measles cases in Tennessee was in 2019. As of September 5th, 2024 a total of 247 measles cases were reported by 29 jurisdictions: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
The TDH is asking all to please report any suspected cases immediately at 615-741-7247.
