The Tennessee Department of Health confirms a positive measles test of a resident who recently traveled internationally.

They spent time in Kentucky during the infectious period and are now recovering from the virus.

The TDH has not identified additional positive cases in Tennessee and this is the first case since 2019.  The measles virus can spread through the air when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes.

Symptoms 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.  TDH says measles is a highly infectious and potentially fatal disease, so it’s important to report suspected measles cases immediately to TDH at 615-741-7247.