NASHVILLE, TN - Tennessee’s measles count continues to rise, with eight confirmed cases reported so far in 2025—all within the state’s central region. The latest case, identified in Nashville, is part of a growing cluster that has health officials on alert. Three additional cases have been confirmed in the Mid-Cumberland Region, which surrounds Davidson County. Meanwhile, four more cases have emerged in the Upper-Cumberland Region to the east, affecting communities from Cannon, Dekalb, Warren, and White counties, stretching over to Cookeville and Crossville.
Minors Most Affected as Vaccination Gaps Widen
Most of the recent cases have involved minors. Data shows that four individuals between the ages of 5 and 17 have been infected this year. Alarmingly, all but one of the eight people diagnosed with measles in Tennessee had not received the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
The Vaccine: A Proven Shield, Now Underused
The measles vaccine—part of the MMR series—has been a standard part of childhood immunizations since the 1960s. It didn’t disappear 20 years ago; rather, it became so effective that measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. But elimination didn’t mean the virus was gone; it simply wasn’t spreading continuously. Now, with vaccination rates slipping below the 95% threshold needed for community protection, the virus is finding new footholds.
If you or your child needs the MMR vaccine, it is available through your primary care provider or the Rutherford County Health Department at (615) 898-7880, located at 100 W. Burton St. in Murfreesboro. The vaccine is safe, effective, and widely available.
Not Just a Local Flare-Up—A National Trend
Nashville’s case is part of a broader national resurgence. As of early November, the U.S. has seen over 1,680 confirmed measles cases in 2025—the highest number since 1992. Outbreaks have been reported in 42 states, with major clusters in Texas, Utah, Arizona, and South Carolina. Nearly all cases—92%—involved people who were unvaccinated.
Understanding Measles: Symptoms and Risks
Measles typically begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A few days later, a rash spreads from the face down the body. The real danger, however, lies in its complications. Measles can cause ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, and brain swelling (encephalitis). About one in five unvaccinated people in the U.S. who contract measles end up hospitalized. The risks are even higher for children under five, adults over twenty, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
Who Needs to Worry?
Older adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune, having likely had measles as children. Those born after 1957 who never received two doses of the vaccine—or who aren’t sure—should talk to their doctor. A simple blood test can check for immunity, and a booster shot is safe even if you’re already protected.
