Updated Aug. 22, 2026.
Two possible exposures in Bloomfield and Ottumwa remain within their 21-day symptom-monitoring periods.
IOWA — Iowa’s measles outbreak has grown to 16 confirmed cases in 2026. State health officials have also found evidence of person-to-person spread.
The latest possible public exposure occurred at Pizza Ranch in Ottumwa. A contagious person visited the restaurant at 1791 Venture Drive from noon to 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14.
As a result, people who were there during that period can monitor for symptoms through Sept. 4.
However, being named as an exposure location does not mean the virus spread at the restaurant. It also does not mean the business caused the outbreak. Instead, it means a person visited the location while able to spread measles.
Pizza Ranch in Ottumwa is the latest exposure location
Meanwhile, Iowa Health and Human Services and local health agencies continue to respond to the outbreak in southern Iowa. Officials add public locations when a person with measles visits while contagious.
As of Aug. 22, two exposures remained within their 21-day monitoring periods:
- Pizza Ranch: 1791 Venture Drive, Ottumwa. Friday, Aug. 14, from noon to 3 p.m. The monitoring period ends Sept. 4.
- JR Feed and Supply: 17599 200th St., Bloomfield. Sunday, Aug. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The monitoring period ends Aug. 30.
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash. If symptoms develop after either exposure, Iowa HHS instructs patients to call a health care provider or emergency room before arriving.
That advance call allows medical staff to prepare for the patient. It also lowers the chance of exposing other people in waiting rooms.
Iowa has identified eight recent exposure locations
In addition, Iowa HHS continues to list six exposures from late July. Those locations remain part of the state’s four-week exposure history:
- Wells Hometown Drug: 208 E. Franklin St., Bloomfield. Thursday, July 30, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
- Natural Grocer’s: 8650 Hickman Road, Clive. Tuesday, July 28, from 2:30 to 5 p.m.
- Vero Health Center: 630 S. 50th St., West Des Moines. Tuesday, July 28, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Office Depot: 3910 University Ave., West Des Moines. Tuesday, July 28, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
- Menards: 12000 Hickman Road, Clive. Tuesday, July 28, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
- Menards: 6000 SE 14th St., Des Moines. Tuesday, July 28, from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Still, those six exposures no longer require symptom monitoring for people who remained well. The monitoring period for the July 28 locations ended Aug. 18. Similarly, the period connected to Wells Hometown Drug ended Aug. 20.
The current locations are separate from the nine places connected to Iowa’s first case in early July. Those earlier monitoring periods have also ended. Therefore, they should not remain in the article as current exposures.
Measles symptoms can appear up to 21 days after exposure
Measles symptoms can begin seven to 21 days after exposure. At first, the illness often causes fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes.
Later, a rash usually appears on the face or near the hairline. It then spreads to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. In addition, the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours. That can happen even after the infected person leaves the room.
People without confirmed immunity can ask about the MMR vaccine
Iowa HHS is directing people without measles vaccination to contact a medical provider or local health agency. The same guidance applies to people who are unsure whether they are immune.
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles.
However, medical guidance can vary. A person’s age, health, vaccination history, and exposure date may affect the next step.
The outbreak comes as religious exemptions from school vaccination requirements have more than doubled in Polk County. Iowa schools must keep one of three documents on file. Students need a vaccination certificate, a provisional certificate, or a valid exemption.
Iowa will update its measles case count every Thursday
Finally, Iowa will update its measles case count every Thursday. Iowa HHS will also release new information when officials confirm another public exposure.
Current totals, locations, and monitoring periods are available on the Iowa HHS measles information page. The next weekly update is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27.
Stay informed about what is happening in your community. Visit HolaAmericaNews.com for news and community updates from Iowa and the Midwest.
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