Two More Cases Of Measles In TN

Two more cases of measles have been reported in Tennessee. That brings the total number of measles cases in Tennessee to six. The new cases were reported in Middle Tennessee, which is where the other four have been reported. The two people now infected are recovering at home. The Tennessee Department of Health says that even with these new cases, there is no evidence of sustained measles transmission in the community or state.

However, there is an ongoing national measles outbreak, involving over 700 cases in 25 states, with two confirmed fatalities in the U.S. so far.

Measles typically has a classic red, spotty rash that begins on the face and spreads over the body. Additional symptoms can include fever, headache, cough, red eyes, or congestion. It spreads very easily through the air when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes. So, it is highly infectious and potentially fatal, especially in small children. There is a highly effective vaccine for measles that has been around for decades. The Tennessee Department of Health says two doses of the MMR vaccine needed and are highly effective at preventing measles.