(News Channel 9) – The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) says it has detected the state’s first measles case as part of a recent nationwide outbreak. The TDH says the State Public Health Laboratory confirmed a positive test for the illness in a resident of east Tennessee. In a news release, TDH says: “While the investigation is currently centered in East Tennessee, all Tennesseans should be aware of measles and its symptoms.
These symptoms may include fever, runny nose, body aches, watery eyes and white spots in the mouth. The illness is typically accompanied by a red, spotty rash that begins on the face and spreads over the body. Nearly one in three measles patients will develop ear infections, diarrhea or pneumonia. Measles can be fatal in approximately one to two out of every 1,000 cases.” “Our efforts are focused on preventing the spread of illness to others,” said TDH State Epidemiologist Tim Jones, MD. READ MORE
