Jefferson County Health Center is urging community members to be aware of a measles outbreak spreading in neighboring communities, as Iowa’s Department of Health and Human Services confirms 17 cases in the state so far in 2026, according to notices from JCHC and Iowa HHS on Monday, August 24th.
Anyone who believes they or someone in their household may have measles is asked not to go directly to Jefferson County Health Center. Instead, call JCHC first at 641-472-4111 so staff can provide instructions and help prevent further spread.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can be especially dangerous for babies and young children. It spreads through the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a space. It is so contagious that approximately 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people who come near someone with measles will become infected. The best prevention is the measles, mumps, and rubella — or MMR — vaccine. One dose of MMR is 93 percent effective at preventing measles, and two doses are 97 percent effective.
Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include high fever — which may spike above 104 degrees — cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that typically breaks out three to five days after symptoms begin. The disease can cause serious complications including pneumonia, swelling of the brain, and in severe cases, death.
If someone in your household develops symptoms, keep them separated from other family members and have everyone in the household stay home to prevent further spread. Call JCHC immediately at 641-472-4111 for further instructions. If a sick person gets rapidly worse or experiences trouble breathing, pain when breathing, dehydration, a fever or headache that will not stop, confusion or severe weakness, or blue color around the mouth, go to the emergency department immediately and call ahead to alert staff before arrival. For young children, low energy or difficulty feeding are also warning signs that require immediate attention.
Iowa HHS and local public health officials have identified several locations where individuals were present while contagious. Anyone who was at any of the following locations during the listed dates and times should monitor for symptoms and contact their healthcare provider before arrival if they develop them.
A new exposure location has been identified at Sunnyside Grocery, 22422 County Road 63 in Bloomfield, on Saturday, August 15th between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Previously announced exposure locations include Pizza Ranch, 1791 Venture Drive in Ottumwa, on Friday, August 14th between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m.; JR Feed and Supply, 17599 200th Street in Bloomfield, on Sunday, August 9th between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; Natural Grocer’s in Clive on Tuesday, July 28th between 2:30 and 5:00 p.m.; Vero Health Center in West Des Moines on Tuesday, July 28th between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.; Office Depot in West Des Moines on Tuesday, July 28th between 5:00 and 7:30 p.m.; Menards in Clive on Tuesday, July 28th between 6:00 and 8:30 p.m.; Menards in Des Moines on Tuesday, July 28th between 7:00 and 9:30 p.m.; and Wells Hometown Drug, 208 East Franklin Street in Bloomfield, on Thursday, July 30th between 4:30 and 7:00 p.m.
Those who are unvaccinated or unsure of their immunity status are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider or local public health agency about MMR vaccination. For the latest information on measles in Iowa, visit the Iowa HHS Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology disease information page, which is updated weekly on Thursdays.
