Measles
Key Points
- Keep your evidence of immunity accessible. If you’ve been vaccinated or had measles in the past, make sure you can easily access this documentation in case you are exposed.
- If you do not have documentation showing evidence of immunity, contact your healthcare provider to determine if vaccination is appropriate for you.
- If you think you’ve been exposed or have symptoms, call your provider before visiting a clinic or hospital for testing or treatment. Measles is highly contagious and you will be given special instructions on when and where you should go for care.
Current Public Exposure Notices
Iowa HHS and local health officials have identified locations visited by individuals while contagious, where others might have been exposed to measles. Anyone present at the following locations during the listed date and time should monitor for symptoms of measles. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red/watery eyes, runny nose, and a rash. If you think you have been exposed to measles and have symptoms, call your medical provider or nearest emergency room ahead of time and tell them before arrival that you have been exposed to measles and have symptoms. Measles can spread to anyone who is not immune and is exposed.
POTENTIAL EXPOSURE LOCATIONS
UnityPoint Health - Blank Children's Hospital
4th Floor
1200 Pleasant St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
Sunday, November 8, 2026
3:20 p.m. - 10:45 p.m.
UnityPoint Health - Blank Children's Hospital
Hallway from Blank Children's ED to Blank Children's Inpatient Elevators (includes Methodist Main Entrance area)
1200 Pleasant St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
Sunday, November 8, 2026
3:15 p.m. - 5:25 p.m.
UnityPoint Health - Blank Children's Hospital
Emergency Department
1200 Pleasant St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
Sunday, November 8, 2026
11:30 a.m. - 5:20 p.m.
UnityPoint Health - Blank Children's Hospital
Iowa Methodist/Blank Children's Hospital Waiting Room
1200 Pleasant St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
Sunday, November 8, 2026
11:25 a.m. - 1:35 p.m.
UnityPoint Clinic Urgent Care - Ankeny Medical Park
3625 N. Ankeny Blvd. Ste E
Ankeny, IA 50023
Sunday, November 8, 2026
10:10 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Hy-Vee
410 N. Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny, IA 50023
Friday, November 6, 2026
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Walmart Supercenter
1002 National Dr.
Ankeny, IA 50021
Thursday, November 5, 2026
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Hy-Vee
3111 Main St.
Keokuk, IA 52632
Friday, October 30, 2026
1:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Mitchell County Regional Health Center
616 N 8th St.
Osage, Iowa 50461
Friday, October 30, 2026
10:55 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Mitchell County Regional Health Center
616 N. 8th St.
Osage, Iowa 50461
Thursday, October 29, 2026
9:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Read the full press release.
Iowa HHS will issue a press release when there is a confirmed public exposure that may pose a risk to others. When possible, individuals identified as close contacts will also be notified directly by public health officials.
For the most current measles case counts in Iowa, visit the Iowa HHS measles dashboard.
What is measles, and how does it spread?
Measles is a serious illness that spreads easily.
Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after an infection. However, it can take up to 21 days post-exposure for symptoms to occur. Symptoms can include:
- High fever (up to 104°F)
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes
- Rash (three-five days after symptoms begin)
Measles can cause serious health problems.
- Health problems caused by measles include lung infections (pneumonia), brain damage, and pregnancy complications.
- One out of every four people who get measles will be hospitalized.
- One to three out of every 1,000 children infected with measles will die, even with the best care.
Measles spreads from person-to-person through the air.
- The virus can live in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person was in the area.
- An infected person can pass it to others before they even know they’re sick.
- If you are unvaccinated and exposed to measles, there’s a 90% chance you’ll get infected.
How can I stay safe from measles?
- The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated.
- The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine provides extremely powerful protection. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is 93% effective.
- Keep your evidence of immunity accessible in case you are exposed.
What is evidence of immunity to measles?
Evidence of immunity to measles means you have one of the following:
- Birth before 1957. However, people born outside the U.S. may need vaccine records or a test showing immunity, since measles history and immunity may not be as well known or documented in other countries.
- Written documentation of having received one or more doses of the MMR vaccine
- Laboratory evidence of immunity (also known as a measles titer)
- Laboratory confirmation of having previously been infected with measles
Individuals should obtain this documentation and keep it easily accessible. Evidence of immunity may be needed if you are exposed to someone with measles.
Do I need the measles vaccine or an additional dose?
For Children
Due to an emerging measles outbreak, an accelerated MMR vaccination schedule is strongly recommended. Iowans should discuss these recommendations with their child's healthcare provider.
The accelerated schedule includes an early extra dose of MMR between 6 and 11 months of age ("dose 0") that does NOT count toward the routine series. Children should then receive their first routine dose (dose 1) right at age one. A second routine dose should be given as soon as one month later.
Vaccine Dose Timing
| Dose Zero |
First Dose |
Second Dose |
| An early extra dose between 6 and 11 months of age; this dose does NOT count toward the routine series |
On their first birthday, at least 28 days after dose 0 |
As soon as 28 days after first dose (three months if receiving the MMRV vaccine) |
For Adults
Vaccine Recommendations by Year
| Year Vaccinated |
Recommendation |
| Born before 1957 |
No vaccine needed. Measles was widespread at that time. Most people were naturally exposed and are assumed immune. |
| 1963-1967 |
Check with your healthcare provider. A second MMR dose may be needed if you received the less effective version of the vaccine. (Note: this is the case for the minority of people). |
| Before 1989 |
Check with your healthcare provider. MMR was recommended as a single dose for most people. Individuals at higher risk may need an additional dose. Higher risk groups include healthcare workers, college students, and those traveling internationally. |
| After 1989 |
Two doses of MMR or MMRV. |
How do I know if I’ve been vaccinated?
Immunization records can be requested from:
Individuals without a medical provider can request their immunization records from Black Hawk County Public Health during regular business hours. To do so, they must complete a request form and provide a current state-issued ID. A copy of the ID will be made and kept on file along with the completed request form. The printed record will be available for pickup 24 hours after the request is submitted, or on the next business day if the request is made on a Friday or before a holiday.
Can't find your immunization record?
For tips on locating old immunization records, visit Immunize.org.
What should I do if I've been exposed to measles?
- If you’ve been exposed to measles, contact your health care provider as soon as possible.
- If you do not have a health care provider, contact Black Hawk County Public Health at (319) 291-2413.
- IMPORTANT: If you were exposed to measles, do not go to a doctor’s office, urgent care, emergency room, or Black Hawk County Public Health without calling first. Because measles is highly contagious, you may be asked to use a special entrance or arrive outside of normal hours. This would reduce the risk of spreading measles to others.
What should I do if I think I have measles?
- If symptoms develop, stay at home, and avoid school, work and any gatherings. Notify your health care provider immediately.
- IMPORTANT: If you were exposed to measles, do not go to a doctor’s office, urgent care, emergency room, or Black Hawk County Public Health without calling first. Because measles is highly contagious, you may be asked to use a special entrance or arrive outside of normal hours. This would reduce the risk of spreading measles to others.
Where can I get the MMR vaccine?
Individuals in need of the MMR vaccine can schedule at appointment at:
- Your medical provider
- Your local pharmacy - Call ahead for current availability.
- Black Hawk County Public Health - While it is recommended for individuals to receive their MMR vaccine through their provider, all individuals can receive the MMR vaccine at Black Hawk County Public Health at no-cost, regardless of whether they have insurance or if they have a provider. Individuals should call (319) 291-2413 to schedule an appointment.