Iowa Health and Human Services has confirmed 15 measles cases so far this year, nearly double the amount in 2025, after identifying a new potential exposure location at a Pizza Ranch in Ottumwa, according to state health officials. The newly announced risk site is located at 1791 Venture Drive, where an infected individual was present between noon and 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14.
Ottumwa Added to Growing List of Measles Exposure Sites
The addition of the Ottumwa restaurant expands a footprint that already includes multiple communities across the state. According to Iowa Health and Human Services (HHS), the expanding list of exposure locations now features five separate businesses located in the Des Moines metro area, alongside two additional sites in Bloomfield.
Did you know?
Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases known.
Vaccination Status Among Reported Iowa Cases
State health data highlights a stark divide in immunity among those affected during the current outbreak. According to Iowa HHS figures, 13 out of the 15 cases were people who were unvaccinated.
Public health agencies continue to monitor the situation closely as contact tracing efforts proceed across Ottumwa, Bloomfield, and the Des Moines metro. Residents who visited the affected Pizza Ranch during the specified window are advised to monitor for symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and the characteristic rash.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa’s Measles Exposures
What should I do if I visited the Ottumwa Pizza Ranch on August 14?
Check your vaccination records and monitor your health for common measles symptoms. If symptoms develop, call your healthcare provider before arriving at a clinic or hospital to prevent exposing others.
How many measles cases has Iowa confirmed this year?
According to Iowa HHS, the state has confirmed 15 measles cases so far this year, nearly double the amount in 2025.
Where are the other exposure locations?
State health officials report that exposure locations include five businesses in the Des Moines metro area and two businesses in Bloomfield, in addition to the recent Ottumwa site.
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