KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — While Knox County has not reported any confirmed measles cases, health officials are closely monitoring the spread of the highly contagious disease after six cases were confirmed across East Tennessee this year.
According to the latest report from the Tennessee Department of Health, five new measles cases were recently identified in East Tennessee, adding to one earlier case reported in the region. Statewide, Tennessee has now recorded nine confirmed measles cases in 2026.
Dr. Megan Edwards, public health officer for the Knox County Health Department, said measles is no longer viewed as a disease confined to history books.
“Measles we think of as a disease of the past, but it’s turning into a disease of the now,” Edwards said.
Health experts warn that measles often begins with symptoms that resemble other respiratory illnesses. Patients typically experience several days of fever, coughing and a runny nose before the disease’s hallmark rash appears. The rash generally begins on the face before spreading downward across the body.
While many patients recover, measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, and long-term neurological issues. Health officials said none of Tennessee’s confirmed cases this year have required hospitalization.
One of the primary concerns surrounding measles is how easily it spreads.
According to Edwards, the virus can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. As a result, people who are not immune through vaccination or prior infection can become infected simply by entering the same space.
Health officials emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective defense against the disease.
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine has been used for decades and is considered one of the most successful vaccines ever developed. Edwards said two doses provide approximately 97 percent protection against measles and generally offer lifelong immunity.
Public health experts also stress the importance of herd immunity, which occurs when enough people are vaccinated to prevent widespread transmission of a disease. Officials say a vaccination rate of at least 95 percent is needed to provide strong community protection.
State immunization data show Knox County generally maintains high vaccination rates, though coverage varies among schools. A Tennessee Department of Health assessment found roughly 93 percent of kindergarten students countywide were fully vaccinated. However, only about one-third of elementary schools met the 95 percent herd immunity benchmark, while about one-quarter reported vaccination rates below 90 percent.
The Knox County Health Department encourages residents who are unsure of their vaccination status to contact the health department where they were born or received childhood immunizations to obtain records.
Officials also continue outreach efforts through annual back-to-school vaccination clinics that help students meet immunization requirements before the new school year.
Anyone who believes they or their child may have measles is urged to call a healthcare provider before seeking treatment in person. Health officials say notifying providers ahead of time allows medical staff to isolate suspected cases and reduce the risk of exposing others in waiting rooms and healthcare facilities.
For now, Knox County remains without a confirmed case, but health officials say they continue to watch developments across East Tennessee and encourage residents to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
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