Polk County testing dozens for measles after a vaccinated resident is infected

Polk County testing dozens for measles after a vaccinated resident is infected

The Polk County Health Department has confirmed its first measles case of 2026 in a vaccinated resident who recently traveled internationally, prompting testing and precautions across the area.

Central Iowans who believe they may have been exposed to measles are now seeking testing, with dozens already showing up and more expected. Health officials are emphasizing the importance of identifying potential exposure sites.

"One of the really important things to know about measles is just how transmissible it is. It's really easy to spread it from one person to another," said Juliann Van Liew, Polk County Health Department director.

The infected individual visited two locations in Webster City and several sites in the Des Moines metro area, including a church, MercyOne Urgent Care and a clothing store in Altoona. Measles symptoms can appear seven to 14 days after exposure, which began July 1. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, white spots in the mouth and a red rash that often starts on the face.

"Measles can hang around in the air, in a space or for around two hours. So, that means you don't have to be in any contact with another human being to acquire measles," Van Liew said.

The health department is urging people not to visit healthcare facilities without calling ahead to avoid spreading the virus if they are contagious. Instead, residents are encouraged to complete a survey on the Polk County Health Department website to report potential exposure.

"What we really need most from people is to go to Polk County, Iowa, dot gov. There is a survey linked, pinned at the top of that page that's going to help folks. Let us know if you were in that Dollar General, in that church that day, so that we can call you and get you the help that you need," Van Liew said.

Addressing concerns about how a vaccinated person contracted measles, Van Liew explained, "There is no vaccine that is 100% effective. But what we do know is by virtue of having this person double vaccinated, they have a lesser likelihood of becoming very sick. This person is recuperating very well. They also have a lower likelihood of spreading it."

Van Liew noted that it may take several weeks to determine the extent of the outbreak, depending on how many people are affected.