TN Dept. of Health reports first positive measles case since 2019

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is tracking the first case of measles in the state since 2019.

The department on Tuesday, Sept. 10 confirmed a single positive measles test of a Tennessee resident who recently traveled internationally, spent time in Kentucky during the infectious period, and is now recovering from the virus.

The TDH did not share any other details about the person who tested positive, including where in Tennessee they live. However, officials said no other positive cases have been identified in Tennessee.

According to the department, measles symptoms can include fever, headache, and generally not feeling well, followed by fever, 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.

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The measles virus can spread through the air when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes. Suspected measles cases can be reported to the TDH at 615-741-7247 .

Multiple cases of measles were reported in Tennessee in 2019.

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