The Tennessee Department of Health (TDOH) has confirmed the state's first case of measles as national rises have been reported recently by health officials.
“Individuals contracted measles in early March and are recovering at home,” according to a government statement. “Public health officials are working on identity [sic] Other places and people may be exposed to the virus. ”
Tdoh noted that he is also investigating the cause of the infection.
Things you need to know about measles outbreaks
Seminole, Texas – February 27: Signs for measles testing in a parking lot in the Seminole Hospital District across from Wigwam Stadium on February 27, 2025 in Seminole, Texas. Eighty-thousand cases of measles have been reported in Gaines County, with one death. (Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images)
More than 300 cases of highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases have been identified this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of March 18th, Texas had 279 cases, far the most in the country, with 191 cases reported in Gaines County alone.
New Mexico has the second highest reported case, with 36.
Five cases have been confirmed in California, four have been confirmed in Oklahoma.
Georgia, New York and New Jersey each had three confirmed cases during the outbreak, while Pennsylvania had two cases.
In the other seven states, one case of measles has been reported in each.
Fly safely amid measles outbreaks with these important travel tips
TDOH reflected the CDC's message that the best way to prevent measles is to receive two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The vial containing measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines will be on display at NeighborCare Health Clinics at Vashon Island High School in Bashon Island, Washington, on May 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
The outbreak is the source of debate over the vaccine and its effectiveness, with one Texan couple whose daughter died of illness saying they have not yet been vaccinated against the virus.
The signs that are transmitted in cases of measles are red rashes that usually start on the face and spread to the rest of the body. Additional symptoms include fever, headache, cough and congestion.
Click here to get the Fox News app
Melissa Rudy and Angelica Stabile of Fox News contributed to this report.
