Iowa Health Officials Provide Update on Measles OutbreakIowa HHS and local public health partners are responding to a measles outbreak affecting multiple counties. Measles is highly contagious, but vaccination provides strong protection. Anyone who may have been exposed or who develops symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or rash, should call their healthcare provider before arriving for care. Iowa HHS and local public health agencies are working closely with affected families and community leaders to identify illnesses, share information, and ensure access to vaccination. Iowa HHS and local health officials have identified locations visited by individuals while contagious, where others 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 measles and have symptoms, call your healthcare provider or nearest emergency room ahead of time and tell them before arrival that you have been exposed to measles and have symptoms. Measles is highly contagious and can spread to anyone who is not immune and is exposed. PreventionThe best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated with a measles-containing vaccine. Because of high immunization rates, measles is rare in Iowa. CDC recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. Two doses of vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. One dose is about 93% effective. Measles vaccine is required for entry into Iowa public and private schools, as well as licensed childcare centers and preschools. Following the Iowa requirements on immunization greatly reduces the risk of children catching measles. For more information, visit the measles vaccine webpage.
People who are not vaccinated against measles, or who are unsure whether they are immune, should talk with their healthcare professional or local public health agency about MMR vaccination. MMR vaccine is FREE although there is a $19 administrative fee to cover the cost of supplies and nurse time. Call Winneshiek County Public Health at 563-382-4662 to get scheduled! Measles Case Counts: Updated 10/2/2026Data will be updated weekly on Thursdays For the latest information on measles in Iowa, visit the Iowa HHS Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology disease information page. Measles case counts are updated weekly, on Thursdays. Iowa HHS will issue a press release when there is a confirmed public exposure that may pose a risk to others. Potential exposure venues will also be updated on the Iowa HHS Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology disease information page as they are identified. When possible, individuals identified as close contacts will also be notified directly by public health officials. |