The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services confirmed on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the state’s first measles case of the year. The patient is a vaccinated adult from central Iowa who contracted the virus during international travel. Public health officials have identified ten potential exposure locations across the state spanning July 1 through July 5.
Confirmed Exposure Sites and Timeline
Health authorities are urging residents who visited specific locations in Des Moines, Webster City, Altoona, and West Des Moines to monitor their health for 21 days following their potential exposure. According to KCRG, the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a space, necessitating broad public notifications.
- Dollar General (1428 E Ovid Ave, Des Moines): July 1, 7:30 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.
- Family Dollar (1251 University Ave, Des Moines): July 1, 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
- MercyOne Des Moines Pediatrics Urgent Care (330 Laurel St): July 2, 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- MercyOne Des Moines Imaging (1111 6th Ave): July 2, 3:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
- Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal Church (3848 14th St, Des Moines): July 2, 7:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. and July 4, 7:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
- Casa De Restauracion (821 Seneca St, Webster City): July 3, 4:30 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
- Kwik Star (505 Fair Meadow Dr, Webster City): July 3, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Under Armour Factory House (771 Bass Pro Dr NW, Altoona): July 4, 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Iowa Clinic Urgent Care – West Des Moines (5950 University Ave): July 5, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
As the Polk County Health Department notes, individuals who were at these sites during the listed times are asked to complete a public health survey to assist in contact tracing.
Vaccination Status and Clinical Context
While the patient was vaccinated, health officials emphasized that such cases are rare and typically involve less severe symptoms.
"While this is the first case of measles in Iowa in 2026, this is a reminder that measles continues circulating throughout the United States and throughout the world.
Dr. Robert Kruse, State Medical Director
According to CBS2 Iowa, approximately 93 percent of measles cases have occurred in people who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated. This trend remains a primary focus for public health officials as they urge residents to ensure their MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations are up to date.
Public Health Response and Risk Assessment
Polk County Health Department Director Juliann Van Liew addressed the community’s concerns regarding the potential for further spread.
“What’s really important about this case is that this person was in public spaces around the county for several days. Which means that others around her and their community who also visited those spaces could be at risk for being exposed to measles and for catching it themselves.”
Juliann Van Liew, Polk County Health Department Director, via KCCI
Officials caution that anyone experiencing symptoms—which typically include fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a rash—should not enter a medical facility without calling ahead. This protocol is designed to prevent the potential exposure of other patients and staff in waiting rooms.
The current situation in Iowa follows a national landscape where measles activity has increased compared to previous years. According to KIMT, the United States has recorded 2,170 confirmed cases so far in 2026. This represents a significant uptick from 2025, when Iowa reported nine cases and the nation saw 2,289 total infections.
Residents are encouraged to consult their primary healthcare providers regarding their immunization records. For those who suspect they have been exposed, monitoring for symptoms for the full 21-day incubation period remains the standard recommendation from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
Find more reporting in our Health section.
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