(Des Moines) The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed a measles case in a fully vaccinated adult in Western Iowa with no known travel or connection to previous cases. This brings Iowa’s 2025 total to eight cases. Nationally, 1,309 cases have been reported, with 92% involving unvaccinated individuals.
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.
Officials have identified public locations the person visited while contagious. Anyone present at those locations during the listed times should monitor for symptoms, including fever, cough, rash, and red or watery eyes. If symptoms develop, call your healthcare provider before seeking care.
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.
