Confirmed Measles Case in Western Iowa

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July 22, 2025

Iowa Health Officials Confirm Measles Case in Western Iowa, Release Locations for Potential Exposures

(Des Moines) – The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed a case of measles in an adult resident of Western Iowa and is notifying the public of potential exposure locations.  The individual is fully vaccinated and has no known link to the previous measles cases in Iowa, nor any recent travel outside the state. Iowa has a total of eight confirmed measles cases in 2025. As of July 15, 2025, a total of 1,309 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the United States. Of these, 1,204 (92%) were unvaccinated, and 105 (8%) had received at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Breakthrough cases typically experience milder illness and are less likely to spread the virus to others.

Iowa HHS and local health officials have identified locations visited by the individual while contagious, where the public might have been exposed to measles. Anyone present at the following locations during the listed date and time should monitor for symptoms of measles. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red/watery eyes, runny nose, and a rash. If you think you have been exposed to a measles case and have symptoms, call your medical provider or nearest emergency room ahead of time and tell them that you have been exposed to measles and have symptoms before arriving.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that is spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, or breathes.

Due to a locally-acquired case of measles not linked to other known cases, an accelerated MMR vaccination schedule should be considered. While the routine MMR schedule is one dose at 12–15 months and a second dose at 4–6 years, Iowans should consider:

• An early extra dose of MMR between 6 and 11 months of age (“dose 0”); this dose does not count toward the routine series
• The first routine dose (dose 1) can be given after 12 months of age, at least 28 days after dose 0
• The second routine dose (dose 2) can be given at least 28 days after dose 1, instead of waiting until age 4–6 years

For the latest information on measles in Iowa, visit the Iowa HHS Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology disease information page. This page is updated weekly, on Thursdays, with current case counts and public health guidance.  Iowa HHS will issue a press release when there is a confirmed public exposure that may pose a risk to others. When possible, individuals identified as close contacts will also be notified directly by public health officials.

This email was sent to you by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. https://hhs.iowa.gov/