TN sees first measles case since 2005

Tennessee health officials are concerned after confirming a case of measles in the Nashville area which is the state’s first reported since 2005, and are warning that falling vaccination rates could lead to more cases. Measles begins with fever, red eyes and a dry cough, and tcan turn into a rash. It can also lead to pneumonia, ear infections and swelling of the brain. The Tennessee Department of Health says that kindergarten vaccination rates have fallen to 92.3% and is the fourth straight year of declining rates. The state’s goal is 95%, which is high enough to stop the virus from spreading. Religious exemptions have climbed 3.5%, which is more than double what they were in 2020.