On Mar. 21 , 2025, the Tennessee Department of Health confirmed the state’s first measles case in 2025 in a middle Tennessee resident. The likely source of the infection was being investigated.

The individual became infected with measles in early March and was recovering at home. Public health officials were working to identity other locations and persons potentially exposed to the virus.

Measles typically has a classic red, spotty rash that begins on the face and spreads over the body. Additional symptoms can include fever, headache, and generally not feeling well, followed by rash, cough, red eyes, or congestion. Measles is a highly infectious and potentially fatal disease which spreads very easily through the air when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes.

TDH encouraged consultation with your medical provider about measles prevention. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles.