Tennessee Department of Health Confirms First Measles Cases in 2026

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is confirming two cases of measles in middle Tennessee, the first in the state this year. Both individuals are currently recovering at home. One of the individuals had been fully vaccinated against measles, while the vaccination status of the second individual is unknown. Both individuals were exposed to a confirmed measles case outside of Tennessee.

TDH and Nashville-Davidson County Health Department officials are responding to make people in middle Tennessee aware of possible exposure to measles at the following public locations:

Exposure Location          Address                                Date(s)                  Time(s)                         Monitor for Symptoms Through

Catfeine Cat Cafe               517 Carson Lane                 06/29/2026                      1 p.m. to 5 p.m.                         07/21/2026
Murfreesboro, TN 37128   06/30/2026

Waxing the City                  1108 Gallatin Ave.                 07/01/2026                     1 pm to 5 pm                             07/22/2026
Nashville, TN 37206

Goodwill                               1108 Gallatin Ave.                 07/01/2026                     1 pm to 5 pm                               07/22/2026
Nashville, TN 37206

Swett’s                                   2725 Clifton Ave.                   07/03/2026                     1 pm to 4 pm                               07/24/2026
Restuarant                           Nashville, TN 37209

Publix                                    1111 Gallatin Ave.                 07/03/2026                     3:30 pm to 6:30 pm                   07/24/2026
Nashville, TN 37206

Dino’s Bar and                     411 Gallatin Ave.                    07/04/2026                    12 pm to 4 pm                            07/25/2026
Grill                                         Nashville, TN 37206

Limo Peruvian                    1008 Fatherland St.                07/04/2026                     3 pm to 6 pm                            07/25/2026
Eatery                                    Nashville, TN 37206

Paul’s Corner                      824 Porter Road                     07/04/2026                     5 pm to 7 pm                             07/25/2026
Nashville, TN 37206

People who were at one of these locations during the dates and times listed may be at risk of developing measles, from 7 to 21 days after being exposed. These individuals should confirm their protection against measles.

Those who have had measles in the past or received the recommended measles vaccine are likely protected but should still monitor for symptoms. People who are unimmunized or have unknown measles immunization status are at higher risk and should monitor for symptoms closely.

Anyone who remains symptom-free for more than 21 days after being exposed is no longer considered at risk. If you have any questions, please contact your local health department. For emergent questions, please call 615-741-7247.

If you think you have measles symptoms and need medical care, do not delay. Call your healthcare provider, urgent care, or emergency department before going in, and tell them you may have been exposed to measles. This helps them plan for your visit and limit exposing others.

Measles typically has a classic red, spotty rash that begins on the face and spreads over the body. Additional symptoms can include fever, cough, red eyes and congestion, followed by rash. Measles is a highly infectious disease which spreads very easily through the air when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes.

TDH encourages consultation with your medical provider about measles prevention. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles.

More information for the public and for providers is available on TDH’s measles information webage. It is important for medical providers to consider measles and report suspected cases immediately to TDH at 615-741-7247.