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Measles cases rising in Iowa: Here’s what you need to know
By Eva Lynner,
10 days agoDES MOINES -- According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, there have been 19 cases of measles in Iowa as of August 27.
Measles is a very contagious viral infection that causes fevers, rashes, runny nose, and and red/ watery eyes.
Pediatric Dr. Nathan E. Boonstra, MD in Des Moines at Unity Point said the vaccine is the easiest way to stay safe.
Chemical exposure incident at Newton Correctional Facility draws large emergency response"It is," Boonstra said, "one of the most effective vaccines that we have. So it can be really confident that if your child is up to date with the measles vaccine, that they have a very low chance of getting measles."
Iowa HHS updates the exposure locations from the past few weeks. Most of them fall in southern Iowa.
| Exposure Location | Date/Time |
| Sunnyside Grocery 22422 County Road 63, Bloomfield, IA 52537 | Saturday, August 15, 2026 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
| Pizza Ranch 1791 Venture Dr., Ottumwa, IA 52501 | Friday, August 14, 2026 Noon to 3 p.m. |
| JR Feed and Supply 17599 200th St., Bloomfield, IA 52537 | Sunday, August 9, 2026 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Wells Hometown Drug 208 E. Franklin St, Bloomfield, IA 52537 | Thursday, July 30, 2026 4:30–7 p.m. |
A graph from Statista shows a sharp decline in United States measles cases in the 1990s. Since the vaccine was introduced in 1963, cases have dropped by more than 2,000.
According to the World Health organization, the measles vaccine was developed in 1963. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the vaccine is 97% effective.
Dr. Boonstra said if people are hesitant, it's usually from a place of wanting to protect their child and they should reach out to their doctor with their concerns.
"It is very difficult to tell what's good and bad information, which is why we really do focus on making sure that we inform families to talk to their doctors. Doctors really will help them sort through good or bad information when it comes to vaccines," Boonstra said.
The Polk County Health Department is offering free vaccines if interested.
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