East Tennessee Children’s Hospital (ETCH) is preparing for a potential measles outbreak. This comes as the first case of the highly contagious virus was confirmed in Middle Tennessee on Friday.

“We’re just sort of waiting for it to happen,” said Dr. Suzanne Rybczynski, the chief medical officer at ETCH. “We anticipate it could happen any time.”

It’s a deadly outbreak moving closer to home. Nearly 400 cases have been reported in 18 different states, and it already surpasses the nationwide total from 2024. The CDC reports that 95% of cases are people who aren’t vaccinated, or whose vaccination status is unknown.

“If you aren’t vaccinated or you don’t have immunity and you’re exposed to measles, you have a nine out of 10 chance of getting measles,” said Rybczynski.

Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000. Experts thanked the vaccine, but the rate of people getting the shot is trending downward nationally and locally.

Across Tennessee, 75% of kids ages 4-6 have received the measles vaccine. In East Tennessee, Morgan County has the highest vaccination rate at 92%, which is the second-highest in the state behind Houston County. Meanwhile, Hancock County has the lowest rate at 56%, but this is far above the statewide lowest of just 35% in Clay County. Knox County sits just below the state average at 73%.

“If your child is vaccinated, the concern is honestly minimal because the vaccine is just that good,” said Roberta Sturm with Knox County Health Department.

Rybczynski said ETCH leaders have been watching the nationwide outbreak closely and planning for months.

“Most doctors and nurses and health care professionals alive today have never seen a case,” Rybczynski said. “We really have to think how we will handle that kid when they come through our door.”

Rybczynski said they are thoughtfully working to create protocols and navigate logistics so they can avoid facing complications if there is a case.

“Once that patient is in our system, like I said, you have to shut down a room for two hours,” Rybczynski said. “No one can go into a room that someone has had measles in.”

Knox County Health Department said they are also preparing for if there is a case.

Rybczynski said the most effective way to protect yourself and your children from Measles is with the vaccine. She suggests contacting your primary care provider.

Vaccines are also available at the Knox County Health Department.

Story courtesy of WVLT