Tennessee health authorities and Nashville officials confirmed the state’s first two measles cases of 2026 on July 11. Both people are recovering at home, and public health investigators say their infections stemmed from exposures that occurred outside Tennessee.
What officials have released
The Tennessee Department of Health did not provide names, ages or sexes for the two patients. Officials said one of the infected individuals had completed the measles vaccination series; the vaccination status of the second person was not released.
State and local health departments also published a list of public places in Middle Tennessee where people may have been exposed between June 29 and July 4. Those who were at the listed locations during the indicated windows should monitor themselves for symptoms through the dates noted by health officials.
| Location | Address | Date(s) | Time(s) | Monitor Through |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catfeine Cat Cafe | 517 Carson Lane, Murfreesboro | 6/29/2026–6/30/2026 | 1 p.m.–5 p.m. | 7/21/2026 |
| Waxing the City | 1108 Gallatin Ave., Nashville | 7/1/2026 | 1 p.m.–5 p.m. | 7/22/2026 |
| Goodwill | 2101 Gallatin Pike N., Madison | 7/1/2026 | 2 p.m.–6 p.m. | 7/22/2026 |
| Swett’s Restaurant | 2725 Clifton Ave., Nashville | 7/3/2026 | 1 p.m.–4 p.m. | 7/24/2026 |
| Publix | 1111 Gallatin Ave., Nashville | 7/3/2026 | 3:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. | 7/24/2026 |
| Dino’s Bar and Grill | 411 Gallatin Ave., Nashville | 7/4/2026 | 12 p.m.–4 p.m. | 7/25/2026 |
| Limo Peruvian Eatery | 1008 Fatherland St., Nashville | 7/4/2026 | 3 p.m.–6 p.m. | 7/25/2026 |
| Paul’s Corner | 824 Porter Road, Nashville | 7/4/2026 | 5 p.m.–7 p.m. | 7/25/2026 |
Symptoms and timeline
Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. The virus can remain in an indoor space for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. Symptoms typically emerge 7 to 14 days after exposure and usually include:
- Fever
- Cough and runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- A red, spotty rash that often starts on the face and spreads over the body
Health officials note that anyone who remains symptom-free for more than 21 days after an exposure is no longer considered at risk from that incident.
What residents should do
Public health agencies recommend that people who visited any of the listed locations during the specified times watch for symptoms and contact their medical provider if they develop signs of measles. Vaccination provides strong protection: health officials emphasized that at least one person who contracted measles in these recent cases had completed the measles vaccine series.
Local clinics and health departments can advise on testing and post-exposure steps, including whether a patient may be eligible for a preventive immune globulin or additional vaccination. For residents unsure of their vaccination status, medical records, primary care providers or local health departments are the best sources to confirm immunity.
Officials say they will continue investigating and will update the public if more exposure sites are identified.
Reporting from Middle Tennessee.
