Measles Outbreak Grows as 11 New Cases Confirmed in Iowa

Measles cases are on the rise in Iowa, and health officials believe that person-to-person transmission has played a role in the outbreak.

11 New Cases of Measles Confirmed

The Des Moines Register reports that the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed 11 new cases of measles in the state. That brings the total number of cases in 2026 to 12. There were just nine cases in all of 2025. DHHS officials believe that the outbreak is primarily in southern Iowa.

Places and Times Measles Could Have Been Spread

According to the Register, health officials have released a list of places and times that the public could have come into contact with the virus. They include;

• Natural Grocers, 8650 Hickman Road, Clive, between 2:30 and 5 p.m. July 28.
• Vero Health Center, 630 S 50^th St., West Des Moines, between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. July 28.
• Office Depot, 3910 University Ave., West Des Moines, between 5 and 7:30 p.m. July 28.
• Menards, 12000 Hickman Road, Clive, between 6 and 8:30 p.m. July 28.
• Menards, 6000 SE 14^th St., Des Moines, between 7 and 9:30 p.m. July 28.
• Wells Hometown Drug, 208 E Franklin St., Bloomfield, between 4:30 and 7 p.m. July 30.
• JR Feed and Supply, 17599 200^th St., Bloomfield, between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Aug. 9.

DHHS officials say they are working with local communities to ensure that affected individuals have access to care and vaccines, according to the Register.

What Are Symptoms of Measles?

The Register reports that measles is a viral illness with symptoms that include fever, cough, red and watery eyes, a runny nose, and a rash. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 90% of people who come into contact with the virus become infected if unvaccinated, making it one of the most contagious diseases known.

Measles can also cause serious health complications, including pneumonia, swelling of the brain, and even death. Children are most at risk for serious complications, according to the Register.