The Measles have made an unwanted comeback in Tennessee, with the state's Department of Health verifying the first case of the illness through their official announcement. The affected individual, a Middle Tennessee resident, contracted the disease earlier in March, following the national outbreak that's already racked up more than 300 cases across eleven states, as reported by the Tennessee Department of Health.
This patient is recovering at home while the Tennessee Department of Health investigates the likely source of the infection. Public health officials are working hard to identify other potential exposure sites and individuals at risk. The measles virus is highly contagious, and with two reported deaths linked to the outbreak, the situation is serious.
Measles starts with a rash on the face that spreads across the body, along with symptoms like fever, headache, cough, red eyes, and congestion. The Tennessee Department of Health encourages people to talk to their doctors about measles and stresses that getting two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best protection against this airborne disease.
The Tennessee Department of Health has created a dedicated webpage for people seeking information or having concerns about measles. The page will be regularly updated with resources for the public and healthcare providers. The department is also urging medical providers to watch for potential cases and report any suspicions to state health officials, as quick action is key in handling contagious diseases.
