Iowa reports first case of measles since 2019

A central Iowa adult is confirmed to have the first case of measles in the state since 2019, according to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

The person, who is unvaccinated, tested positive through the State Hygienic Laboratory, according to a news release issued Friday by HHS.

Public health officials will be reaching out to people who have been in contact with the person who tested positive, but “no widespread public exposure is anticipated,” the state agency said.

Iowa is among 31 other U.S. jurisdictions in an evolving measles outbreak. As of Thursday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were reporting a total of 1,046 confirmed measles cases in: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

There have been three confirmed measles deaths in the U.S. this year.

“The best time to prevent measles is before an exposure occurs and the best tool we have is getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine,” Dr. Robert Kruse, State Medical Director, said in a statement. “Getting vaccinated not only protects you but also protects people in your community who can’t get vaccinated, like infants too young to begin the series and those who are immunosuppressed. We ask Iowans to review their vaccination records and medical records to ensure they are protected and to reach out to their health care provider if they have questions.”

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that is spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red/watery eyes, runny nose and a rash.

Measles can cause severe complications. About one in 10 people in the U.S. who get measles will be hospitalized, and one to three out of 1,000 children with measles will die even with good medical care.

The MMR vaccine series is 97 percent effective against measles. The first MMR dose is given at 12-15 months and the second dose is given at 4-6 years. Currently 84 percent of 2-year-olds in Iowa are vaccinated, which is below the 95 percent threshold required to prevent outbreaks. There are no age limits for Iowans on Medicaid who wish to receive preventive MMR vaccinations.

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. Visit hhs.iowa.gov/center-acute-disease-epidemiology/disease-information for more information on measles.