The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and local public health agencies are continuing to respond to a measles outbreak in southern Iowa.
As of August 24, 17 confirmed measles cases have been identified in Iowa in 2026. Health officials say there is evidence of person-to-person spread.
Officials are working with affected families and community leaders to identify illnesses, provide information and make sure residents have access to vaccination.
A new potential exposure location has been identified at Sunnyside Grocery, located at 22422 County Road 63 in Bloomfield. Anyone who was at the store on Saturday, August 15, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. should monitor for symptoms.
Symptoms of measles can include fever, cough, red or watery eyes, a runny nose and a rash.
If someone believes they were exposed to measles and develops symptoms, health officials advise contacting a healthcare provider or nearest emergency room before arriving and informing them of the possible exposure.
Previously announced potential exposure locations during the past four weeks include:
- Pizza Ranch, 1791 Venture Drive, Ottumwa — August 14, noon to 3 p.m.
- JR Feed and Supply, 17599 200th Street, Bloomfield — August 9, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Natural Grocer’s, 8650 Hickman Road, Clive — July 28, 2:30 to 5 p.m.
- Vero Health Center, 630 S. 50th Street, West Des Moines — July 28, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Office Depot, 3910 University Avenue, West Des Moines — July 28, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
- Menards, 12000 Hickman Road, Clive — July 28, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
- Menards, 6000 SE 14th Street, Des Moines — July 28, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
- Wells Hometown Drug, 208 E. Franklin Street, Bloomfield — July 30, 4:30 to 7 p.m.
People who are not vaccinated against measles, or who are unsure whether they are immune, are encouraged to talk with a healthcare professional or local public health agency about MMR vaccination.
Iowa HHS updates measles case counts weekly on Thursdays and will issue a press release when a confirmed public exposure is identified that may pose a risk to others. Potential exposure locations will also be updated as they are identified. When possible, public health officials will directly notify people identified as close contacts.
