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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Metro Public Health Department has announced what appears to be Nashville’s first measles case since 2005.
In a press briefing on Friday, the department reported that they are investigating the infection’s origins and any potential contacts. The patient, who was not vaccinated against measles, had recently traveled, according to the department. Dr. Joanna Shaw-Kaikai, Chief Medical Officer at the MPHD, noted that symptoms only emerged after the individual returned to Tennessee.
Currently, the patient is recuperating, and Dr. Shaw-Kaikai assured the public that there is no cause for alarm.
The department’s Vaccine Preventable Disease team is specially trained to track contacts of confirmed measles cases. They are equipped to provide testing and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis where necessary and will advise on isolation and quarantine measures.
The MPHD urges those who haven’t received the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine to consider getting vaccinated. Walk-in vaccinations are available until 2:30 p.m., and appointments can be scheduled at the following clinics:
- East Nashville Public Health Center, 1015 East Trinity Lane, (615) 862-7916
- Lentz Public Health Center, 2500 Charlotte Avenue, (615) 340-5607
- Woodbine Public Health Center, 224 Oriel Avenue, (615) 862-7940
“Measles is preventable through vaccination, and the vaccine is very effective,” Shaw-Kaikai told Nexstar’s News 2. “If anyone experiences symptoms or suspects they’ve been exposed, they should contact a healthcare provider for guidance. The vaccine is accessible in the community and at the health department.”
According to the CDC, measles causes fever, a cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes followed by a rash covering the body. It can also cause seizures, ear infections, pneumonia and diarrhea. In some cases, measles can cause brain damage and can even be deadly.
This year, the CDC has reported more than 1,600 cases of measles across the U.S. and 93% of those patients were not fully vaccinated. The CDC has also reported that two doses of the MMR vaccine are roughly 95% effective at preventing measles, and one dose is roughly 93%.
