Three more measles cases reported in Eastern Iowa

Two unvaccinated children and an unvaccinated adult from Johnson County were added Thursday to the list of Iowans infected by measles, bringing the total identified cases in the state to six, according to state and county health officials.

The three new cases are a result of household contact with an infected child from Johnson County who was unvaccinated and contracted the disease while traveling internationally, according to a news release from Johnson County Public Health.

The new cases include two children — a boy and a girl, 17 years of age or younger — and a woman between the ages of 18 and 40.

“These individuals are currently stable at home and additional public exposures are not expected,” according to the news release. “We continue to monitor those individuals who were exposed after the initial case, and stress that should they feel symptomatic, please contact your medical provider by phone for further guidance on how to receive care.”

County health officials last week reported the unvaccinated child had contracted measles and might have exposed Coralville and Iowa City residents to the virus. The county asked anyone who’d visited three area stores on specific days and at specific times to submit their information in an online survey and monitor themselves for symptoms.

The two other Iowa measles cases were reported in May and June. They were an unvaccinated woman from Central Iowa, and a vaccinated man from Eastern Iowa. Both are between the ages of 18 and 40, and both contracted the illness while traveling.

The United States is experiencing a multistate measles outbreak that began in western Texas in January. The vast majority of those infected were not vaccinated against measles. Two unvaccinated school-age children have died in Texas after being infected.

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As of June 12, 35 jurisdictions across the United States have reported a total of 1,197 confirmed cases of measles. Before this year, Iowa identified two cases of measles in 2019, according to Iowa HHS.

The highly contagious virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and causes a widespread red and blotchy rash. It can kill people by also causing pneumonia and brain inflammation.

The virus was eliminated in the United States in 2000 through vaccination, but occasional outbreaks happen when residents travel to other countries and become infected.

Before the measles vaccination program started in 1963, an estimated 3 million to 4 million people were infected with measles each year in the United States. Since then, widespread use of measles virus-containing vaccine has led to a greater than 99 percent reduction in measles cases, according to state health officials.

Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and start with a cough, runny nose, red eyes and fever and progresses to small, white spots inside the mouth and a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

Individuals who suspect they have measles or have been exposed to someone with measles, are directed to isolate from others and call heir health care provider, urgent care or emergency room before arriving to be tested.

“The best way to keep yourself, your family and your community safe is to make sure everyone is up to date with their vaccinations,” according to Johnson County Public Health.

Those unsure if they are vaccinated should contact their medical provider or local pharmacy.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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. Two doses of vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles. One dose is about 93 percent effective.

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Measles vaccine is required for entry into Iowa public and private schools, as well as licensed child care centers and preschools. Following the Iowa requirements on immunization greatly reduces the risk of children catching measles, according to public health professionals.

For more information, visit the Iowa Immunization website.

Iowa has among the lowest rates of measles vaccination in the country, according to kindergarten vaccination data compiled by the CDC. About 89 percent of kindergarten students in the 2023-2024 school year in Iowa were vaccinated, The Gazette previously reported.

The CDC recommends vaccination rates of at least 95 percent to prevent outbreaks.

What Should Iowans Know About Measles

CDC: Measles

Iowa HHS measles fact sheet

Comments: (319) 398-8499; tom.barton@thegazette.com