A vaccinated Polk County adult visited locations in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Altoona and Webster City while contagious between July 1 and July 5.
By Hola Iowa
Polk County, IA – Iowa’s first measles case of 2026 involved potential public exposure at nine locations across central Iowa between July 1 and July 5.
The case involves a vaccinated Polk County adult who recently traveled internationally. The person is recovering at home and is doing well.
The individual visited stores, medical facilities and churches in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Altoona and Webster City while contagious. One Des Moines church had two separate exposure periods, bringing the total to 10 exposure windows at nine locations.
People who were present at any of the locations during the listed times can complete the Polk County measles exposure survey, even if they are not experiencing symptoms.
The Polk County Health Department will provide guidance based on factors such as age, vaccination history and the person’s ability to remain at home.
Potential measles exposure locations in central Iowa
Dollar General
- 1428 E. Ovid Ave., Des Moines, IA 50316
- Wednesday, July 1, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Family Dollar
- 1251 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50314
- Wednesday, July 1, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
MercyOne Des Moines Pediatrics Urgent Care
- 330 Laurel St., Suite 2100, Des Moines, IA 50314
- Thursday, July 2, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
MercyOne Des Moines Imaging — Outpatient Radiology
- 1111 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, IA 50314
- Thursday, July 2, from 3:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal Church
- 3848 14th St., Des Moines, IA 50313
- Thursday, July 2, from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Saturday, July 4, from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Casa De Restauracion
- 821 Seneca St., Webster City, IA 50595
- Friday, July 3, from 4:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. Saturday, July 4
Kwik Star
- 505 Fair Meadow Drive, Webster City, IA 50595
- Friday, July 3, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Under Armour Factory House
- 771 Bass Pro Drive NW, Suite 225, Altoona, IA 50009
- Saturday, July 4, from 5 a.m. to noon
Iowa Clinic Urgent Care — West Des Moines
- 5950 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266
- Sunday, July 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
People who were not at the listed locations during those periods currently face a very low risk from this case.
Measles symptoms can take up to three weeks to appear
Symptoms commonly include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and a rash that begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body. Small white spots may also appear inside the mouth.
Symptoms usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure but can take as long as 21 days to appear. Based on that timeline, symptoms connected to the latest listed exposure on July 5 could develop through July 26.
Anyone who develops symptoms after visiting one of the locations can call a medical provider before entering a clinic, urgent care center or emergency department. Calling in advance allows the facility to limit possible exposure to other patients.
The Polk County Health Department can be reached at (515) 286-3890 by people who believe they were exposed and do not have a medical provider.
The Polk County case occurred in a vaccinated adult
Measles infection in a fully vaccinated person is uncommon but possible.
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, commonly known as the MMR vaccine, are about 97% effective at preventing measles. About three out of every 100 fully vaccinated people exposed to the virus may still become infected.
Vaccinated people who contract measles often experience milder illness and may be less likely to spread the virus than someone who is not vaccinated.
The person’s vaccination status likely contributed to a lower viral load and a less severe illness, according to the Polk County Health Department.
Polk County’s childhood vaccination rate remains below the public health target
About 85% of eligible children in Polk County were fully vaccinated against measles as of 2025.
Public health agencies generally seek vaccination rates near 95% to reduce the likelihood that measles will spread through a community.
People who are not fully vaccinated face a higher risk after exposure. Infants, young children, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems are also more likely to develop serious complications.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves an enclosed space.
Related: Iowa confirmed its first measles case since 2019 in May 2025
Iowa recorded nine measles cases in 2025
Iowa reported nine measles cases during 2025. The Polk County infection is the first case identified in the state during 2026.
The new case is believed to be connected to international travel. No ongoing person-to-person spread has been identified within the wider Polk County community.
Public health investigators are working with the businesses, churches and medical facilities involved to identify people who may have been present during the exposure periods.
Medical locations received priority because some patients may have weakened immune systems or other conditions that increase their risk of serious illness.
The exposure survey, current guidance and contact information remain available on the Polk County Health Department measles page.
Stay informed about what is happening in your community. Your source for stories that inspire — visit HolaAmericaNews.com for news, culture and community updates across Iowa.
Facebook Comments