Iowa health officials have confirmed three new cases of measles in eastern Iowa, bringing the state’s total count for the year to six. These newly identified infections represent a concerning shift, as they were acquired through household contact, indicating local transmission is now occurring within the state’s outbreak.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Johnson County Public Health confirmed the three latest cases were identified on Thursday, June 19, in Johnson County. The individuals include two unvaccinated children and one unvaccinated adult.
Shift to Local Transmission
Previously reported measles cases in Iowa this year were linked to international or out-of-state travel. However, the three new cases contracted the virus directly through household contact with an earlier measles patient in Johnson County – an unvaccinated child whose case, linked to international travel, was confirmed on June 11.
This marks the first instance of measles spreading locally within Iowa during the current outbreak. While the three newest patients are recovering at home and public health officials do not expect additional public exposures from these specific cases, authorities continue to monitor individuals potentially exposed to the initial travel-related case.
Including these three, a total of five measles cases have been reported in eastern Iowa during June. Data on these five cases shows only one individual was vaccinated. The age ranges for these five cases include two individuals aged 18-40 and three aged 0-17.
Iowa Cases in a National Context
Iowa’s rise to six confirmed cases places the state within a larger multistate measles outbreak across the United States. As of mid-June 2025, the U.S. has surpassed 1,200 confirmed measles cases across at least 35 states. This surge follows a period where measles was considered eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, primarily due to widespread vaccination. However, cases linked to unvaccinated travelers returning from areas where the virus is more common continue to spark outbreaks.
Nationally, the vast majority of those infected have been unvaccinated. Tragically, this year’s outbreak has resulted in deaths, including unvaccinated children in Texas and an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico.
Understanding Measles and Prevention
Measles is a highly contagious, airborne virus. It spreads easily when an infected person coughs or sneezes, remaining in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and often include:
High fever (potentially reaching 105°F)
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots), appearing a few days after initial symptoms
A red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and neck and spreads downwards, appearing 3-5 days after the first symptoms
Individuals can spread the virus for four days before the rash appears and for four days after. While often resembling a severe cold initially, measles can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. There is no specific treatment; care focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
Public health officials stress that the most effective protection against measles is the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children receive two doses: the first between 12 and 15 months, and the second between 4 and 6 years. Two doses provide about 97% protection, and one dose about 93%.
Despite vaccination requirements for school entry in Iowa, the state’s kindergarten vaccination rate for measles has recently been below the 95% threshold recommended by the CDC to ensure strong community immunity and prevent outbreaks.
What to Do If You Suspect Exposure or Symptoms
Given the confirmed cases and local spread, health officials urge the public to be vigilant.
Ensure your measles vaccinations are current. Check your vaccination records or contact your healthcare provider or local pharmacy.
If you or someone in your household develops symptoms consistent with measles, immediately call your medical provider by phone before visiting a clinic or hospital. This helps prevent potential spread to others in healthcare settings.
- Self-isolate if you suspect you have measles or have been exposed.
- www.kcrg.com
- www.desmoinesregister.com
- www.pbs.org
- dailyiowan.com
- globegazette.com
Monitoring the situation closely and ensuring high vaccination rates are critical steps to curbing the spread of this highly contagious disease in Iowa and nationwide.
