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Measles cases are climbing across the country with the United States reporting its highest annual total in more than three decades.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 3,134 measles cases nationwide so far this year, compared with 2,289 cases during all of last year.
Concern is also growing closer to home after a News 2 viewer shared a recorded message from a Clarksville-area medical provider stating that a measles case had been reported in the area.
News 2 is working to independently verify the details of the possible Clarksville-area case. However, the Tennessee Department of Health stated there have been six confirmed measles cases in the state so far this year.
Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said he recently met with the Tennessee Department of Health and learned that some infections involving Tennessee children may be connected to cases across the state line.
“There were cases of measles in Kentucky, just across the border from Tennessee, and a couple of children who lived in Tennessee might have acquired the infection,” Schaffner said. “But certainly, there has not been substantial spread of cases in Tennessee.”
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air after that person leaves, making it one of the most contagious diseases in the world.
“Measles is the single most contagious virus that we know,” Schaffner said. “If a child comes back from a trip abroad and brings the virus with them and interacts with schoolmates and playmates who are similarly unvaccinated, you can be sure that measles can spread to other children and cause disease.”
The increase in cases comes as vaccination coverage among kindergarten students has fallen below the 95% level health experts said is needed to achieve herd immunity.
Before 2025, Tennessee had not reported a measles case since 2019.
“We are letting our guard down and going back to the bad old days,” Schaffner said.
According to Schaffner, two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are approximately 98% effective at preventing measles. Even one dose provides more than 90% protection.
“This is a spectacular vaccine,” Schaffner said. “But we would like to get to zero, and in order to do that, we would like everyone to be vaccinated.”
Schaffner encouraged families to review their vaccination records and speak with a healthcare provider if they are unsure whether they or their children have received both recommended doses.
Early symptoms of measles can include a high fever, cough, runny nose and red or watery eyes. A rash typically appears several days later, beginning near the face and spreading down the body.
Health experts said vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles and reduce the risk of further community spread.
News 2 has contacted health officials for additional information about the possible Clarksville-area case. This story will be updated as more details are confirmed.