Third Case of Measles Reported in Iowa

A third case of measles has been reported in Iowa this year – and health officials are notifying the public due to potential exposure in public areas..

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services says the third case is an unvaccinated child from eastern Iowa who was exposed during international travel. 

Iowa HHS and local health officials have identified three locations visited by the child last week while contagious, where the public might have been exposed to measles. 

• Costco on Heartland Drive in Coralville
  • Wednesday, June 4th between 11:30 AM and 4:15 PM
• Walmart on Highway 1 in Iowa City
  • Wednesday, June 4th between 2:30 and 5:30 PM
• Marshalls on Coral Ridge Avenue in Coralville
  • Thursday, June 5th between 11 AM and 2 PM

Anyone born in or after 1957 who visited those locations and is unvaccinated or unsure of their immune status should fill out a questionnaire or call Johnson County Public Health at 319-356-6040. You can find the questionnaire HERE.

The investigation has determined this measles case is not related to the first two cases in Iowa, one of whom included a vaccinated eastern Iowa man.

Measles spreads through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. Symptoms include fever, cough, red/watery eyes, runny nose, and a rash. 

State Medical Director Dr. Robert Kruse says measles is contagious, but also highly preventable.  Kruse says the MMR vaccine offers strong protection and helps stop the spread of illness, so he is encouraging Iowans to check their vaccination records and take steps to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.