Iowa confirms first case of measles in 2026

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday that a vaccinated Iowa adult has contracted the measles virus. The confirmation marks the first case of measles in Iowa in 2026 after nine were reported in 2025.

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral disease. Symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and a rash.

According to an Iowa HHS press release, the individual contracted measles while traveling internationally.

HHS officials compiled a list of locations the infected individual had visited since the start of July, which includes stores, medical facilities, and churches in Des Moines, Altoona, West Des Moines and Webster City. HHS said the visited areas are locations where the public may have been exposed to measles.

HHS encourages anyone who may have visited these locations during these dates and times to monitor themselves for measles symptoms:

Dollar General — 1428 E Ovid Ave., Des Moines

• Wednesday, July 1; 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.

Family Dollar — 1251 University Ave., Des Moines

• Wednesday, July 1; 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

MercyOne Des Moines Pediatrics Urgent Care — 330 Laurel St. Suite 2100, Des Moines

• Thursday, July 2; 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

MercyOne Des Moines Imaging (Outpatient Radiology) — 1111 6th Ave., Des Moines

• Thursday, July 2; 3:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal Church — 3848 14th St., Des Moines

• Thursday, July 2; 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Casa De Restauracion — 821 Seneca St., Webster City

• Friday, July 3; 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Kwik Star — 505 Fair Meadow Dr., Webster City

• Friday, July 3; 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Under Armour Factory House — 7771 Bass Pro Drive NW Suite 225, Altoona

• Saturday, July 4; 5 a.m. to noon

Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal Church — 3848 14th St., Des Moines

• Saturday, July 4; 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Iowa Clinic Urgent Care — 5950 University Ave., West Des Moines

• Sunday, July 5; 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

HHS officials encourage Iowans to stay up to date on their measles vaccinations to avoid further outbreaks.