Here’s how Iowa public health officials say Iowans can protect themselves from measles

As of July 15, there have been 1,309 confirmed cases of measles in the United States this year. Seven of those cases were in Iowa.

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Measles is well known for the distinct red rash that typically spreads from the face to the rest of the body. Other symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, small white spots inside the mouth and red, watery eyes. Symptoms usually appear seven to 14 days after exposure.

The highly contagious respiratory virus is spread in the air through droplets from the nose, mouth and throat of an infected person.

“The thing about measles is those droplets can stay suspended in the air for at least two hours after someone has walked through a hallway or been in a specific room,” Wanda Reiter Kintz, measles incident commander at Linn County Public Health, said.

“I do think we should be concerned about measles spreading, because it’s highly contagious and those who are not vaccinated have a 90 percent chance of getting infected if they’re exposed,” Danielle Pettit-Majewski, Johnson County Public Health director, told The Gazette in an email. “However, we do have a very safe and effective MMR vaccine against the measles, which is an excellent tool in our toolbox.”

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According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one dose of the MMR vaccine is 93 percent effective against measles. Two doses of the vaccine bring the effectiveness up to 97 percent.

Children can instead get two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine, which also protects against chickenpox.

Adults who were vaccinated against measles as a child still are protected from the virus, Pettit-Majewski said.

“However, you may need a booster if you received the inactive measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967,” Pettit-Majewski said. “this version was not fully effective, so you may not be protected.”

Public health experts advise people to talk to a doctor if they are unsure of their vaccination status. Reiter Kintz said providers can do a blood draw called a titer to determine whether an individual is immune to measles. If needed, a booster shot can be administered.

“Getting an additional MMR (dose) won’t cause any harm, but it will provide protection if you haven’t had two live doses,” Pettit-Majewski said.

Those not vaccinated against measles are the most at risk

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The Gazette previously reported that 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 Iowa were vaccinated in the 2023-24 school year.

To prevent outbreaks, the CDC recommends a vaccination rate of at least 95 percent.

“We are concerned for anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated, but especially infants under one year who have not had a chance to be vaccinated yet,” Jennifer Miller, disease prevention specialist at Johnson County Public Health, said. “This is why it is important everyone else who can be vaccinated does so.”

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Pettit-Majewski said they can now offer a “zero dose” to infants age six to 11 months. The first official dose of the MMRV vaccine can be given at 12 months, as long as it has been at least 28 days from the zero dose.

“The second dose of MMR can be given as soon as 28 days later, rather than waiting until a child starts kindergarten,” Pettit-Majewski said.

If an infant is too young to be vaccinated and they have been exposed to measles, they can receive a dose of immunoglobulin (IG) within the first six days of exposure.

“It actually helps to clear out the measles virus,” Reiter Kintz said.

Johnson County Public Health noted that no vaccine is 100 percent effective, so there is a chance that vaccinated people will get infected. However, they expect that vaccinated individuals will experience a less severe illness.

Of the seven cases reported in Iowa this year, two have been in people who were vaccinated. Both were males, age 18-40. One was associated with travel, according to a news release from Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Officials said it is unclear how the other vaccinated individual contracted the virus.

Why measles isn’t being treated like COVID-19

COVID-19 was a novel virus that did not have a vaccine or established immunity. Measles has been studied for decades and has a highly effective vaccine.

While masking requirements are not in place to prevent the spread of measles, Johnson County Public Health encourages individuals to wear a well-fitting mask any time they have a concern of respiratory diseases. Masks, when worn by someone who has a virus, can reduce the chances of spreading the illness to others.

The best defense against measles is getting vaccinated, health officials said.

If you are immunocompromised or have questions about the MMR or MMRV vaccine or measles, talk to your provider, your child’s pediatrician or your local health department.

Comments: bailey.cichon@thegazette.com

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