A child has brought a new measles case to Polk County, public health officials announced on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026.
The diagnosis pushes the state’s total to 50 confirmed cases for 2026, matching figures recorded as of Nov. 5, The Des Moines Register reported. That total outpaces the nine cases reported across the state during all of 2025.
Public health officials have traced the outbreak to person-to-person transmission within Iowa and neighboring states, according to the Polk County Health Department. The contagious child visited multiple commercial and medical sites across Ankeny and Des Moines while shedding the virus.
“With measles continuing to circulate in the region, Iowa HHS anticipates that additional cases may occur, particularly among individuals who are not protected against measles through vaccination or prior infection,” Iowa Health and Human Services said in a news release.
Exposure Sites Across Ankeny and Des Moines
The Polk County Health Department listed public locations and times where individuals may have encountered the virus:
- Thursday, Nov. 5: Walmart, 1002 National Dr., Ankeny, from 5 to 8 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 6: Hy-Vee, 410 N. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, from noon to 3 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 8: UnityPoint Clinic Urgent Care, 3625 N. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, from 10:10 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 8: Iowa Methodist Medical Center/Blank Children’s Hospital Emergency Department waiting room at 1200 Pleasant St., Des Moines, from 11:25 a.m. to 1:35 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 8: Blank Children’s Hospital Emergency Department from 11:30 a.m. to 5:20 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 8: Hallway from Blank Children’s Emergency Department to inpatient elevators from 3:15 to 5:25 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 8: Blank Children’s Hospital fourth floor from 3:20 to 10:45 p.m.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can linger in an indoor space for up to two hours after the infected person leaves.
Health Guidance and Symptom Monitoring
Anyone present at the exposure locations during the specified windows should complete the health department’s online exposure survey. Officials advise residents to monitor for symptoms for 21 days.
Typical indicators include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes, followed by a characteristic rash. Individuals who develop symptoms must stay home and telephone a healthcare provider before visiting any clinic or hospital.
Residents who are not fully vaccinated, are immunocompromised, care for an infant who may have been exposed, or do not know their vaccination status should contact their healthcare provider or the Polk County Health Department at 515-323-5221.
Iowa health officials confirm a new measles case in Polk County, identifying potential exposure locations in Ankeny and Des Moines from Nov. 5-8. Full location and times: https://t.co/CjiJDi6T3k pic.twitter.com/DAw51O4Dat
Common Questions About the Outbreak
What are the potential complications of measles?
Measles can cause ear infections, diarrhea, and pneumonia, alongside swelling of the brain and potential death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 1 in 5 people who contract the virus end up hospitalized.
How effective is the MMR vaccine?
The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine provides 97% protection against measles, according to Iowa HHS. The standard schedule administers the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age, with a second dose given between 4 and 6 years.
How many cases were reported nationwide last year?
Iowa HHS reported 2,289 measles cases across the United States in 2025, which resulted in 243 hospitalizations and three deaths.
Where can exposed individuals report their visits?
The Polk County Health Department directs anyone who visited the listed Ankeny and Des Moines locations during the contagious windows to complete its online exposure survey.