Measles Case Confirmed in Nashville, First in Two Decades

Nashville, TN – Metro Health officials confirmed today the first case of measles in the city in 20 years, prompting an investigation into potential exposure and a reminder of the importance of vaccination.

The case is currently in isolation, and the health department’s preventable disease team is working to identify the source of the virus and trace any contacts the infected individual may have had. Metro Public Health spokesperson Matthew Peters stated in a press release that the department is not releasing any identifying information about the patient. This case raises concerns about potential community spread, as measles is highly contagious.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and can remain infectious for hours. The CDC reports 1,600 cases of measles across the United States so far in 2025, with 92% of those infected not fully vaccinated. The CDC states that two doses of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine are approximately 97% effective at preventing the disease, while one dose offers 93% protection. You can learn more about measles and vaccination rates in Tennessee.

The Metro Health Department is offering the MMR vaccine Monday through Friday until 2:30 p.m. at the East Nashville Public Health Center (1015 East Trinity Lane), Lentz Public Health Center (2500 Charlotte Avenue), and Woodbine Public Health Center (224 Oriel Avenue). Officials urge anyone who may have been exposed to contact the health department for testing and to ensure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations.