Tennessee – The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) has confirmed two new cases of measles in Middle Tennessee, raising the state’s total to six confirmed infections in 2025.
According to health officials, both individuals are recovering at home and had already been under quarantine due to known exposure to previously confirmed cases in the state. The department emphasized that there is no evidence of further spread from the new cases and no indication of sustained community transmission of the virus within Tennessee.
The newly confirmed infections come amid a broader national outbreak that has affected more than 700 individuals across 25 states. The outbreak has also resulted in two fatalities in the United States, according to federal health authorities.
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease. It spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person speaks, coughs, or sneezes.
Symptoms typically begin with fever, headache, and general malaise, followed by the appearance of a red, spotty rash that usually starts on the face and moves across the body. Other common symptoms include cough, red or watery eyes, and nasal congestion.
The TDH continues to urge residents to consult with their healthcare providers regarding vaccination, which remains the most effective form of prevention. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine provides strong protection, with two doses offering approximately 97% effectiveness against the disease.
Health officials reiterated that while the situation is being closely monitored, cooperation with public health guidelines—such as isolation during exposure and up-to-date immunizations—remains critical in preventing further cases.
For more information about measles symptoms, prevention, or vaccination, residents are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider or visit the Tennessee Department of Health’s website.