Update: On April 17, 2025, the Tennessee Department of Health confirmed 2 additional cases of the measles, bringing Tennessee’s total to 6 cases. All cases have been in Middle Tennessee.

April 1, 2025:

Tennessee Department of Health confirmed three additional cases of measles in Middle Tennessee. These cases are currently under investigation by public health officials. TDOH released their statement on Tuesday, April 1, at 1:30 p.m.

Tennessee now has a total of four confirmed cases of measles in 2025. 

All three of the recently confirmed cases are currently recovering at home, according to TDOH. 

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. It is prefaced by a fever and malaise, but is most often identified by its initial red and spotty rash. This rash blanches to the touch and follows a very specific path through the body.

“It starts on the face and it spreads from the head down and from the center out,” Dr. Abigail Blackmon of Blackmon Pediatrics said. “So, face to neck to trunk and back, and then to extremities. And it disappears in the order in which it appeared.” 

Breathing contaminated air, touching infectious surfaces or coming into contact with an infected individual increases the risk of contracting measles. Measles can live in an airspace for up to 2 hours, according to the CDC.

Blackmon said those who are immunocompromised — those who are diabetic, have asthma, etc. — should be especially aware of places they are going and the potential signs of measles.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles, according to TDOH.

This is a developing story. You can follow along for updates at www.utdailybeacon.com.