The first measles case of 2025 has been confirmed in Middle Tennessee, sparking concerns among health officials and doctors. According to the Tennessee Department of Health, the infected person is recovering at home, while others worry about the highly infectious virus spreading.
Dr. Joseph Gigante, a doctor at Monroe Carole Junior Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, warned that the spread of measles has been moving quickly. “Unfortunately, the most recent outbreak in west Texas has now spread,” he said. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person speaks, coughs, or sneezes.
Experts stress that measles is easily preventable with vaccination. “It’s a tragedy, but it’s so easy to prevent measles,” Dr. Gigante said. Symptoms of measles include small bumps, high fever, cough, and runny nose. In severe cases, measles can be fatal.
With an active national outbreak in 11 states, including two deaths, the risk of a mini epidemic in Tennessee is real. “There could definitely be a mini epidemic here,” said Breanna Thomas. Health officials are investigating how the person in Middle Tennessee contracted the virus and urging parents to vaccinate their children against measles.
Source: https://www.wsmv.com/2025/03/22/doctors-say-mini-epidemic-is-possible-after-measles-case-confirmed-middle-tennessee