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Measles cases rising in Iowa: Here’s what you need to know

By Eva Lynner,

10 days ago

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DES 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.

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"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 LocationDate/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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