Iowa Officials Identify Measles Exposure Sites

Health officials confirmed measles in a Polk County child who visited locations in Ankeny and Des Moines while contagious; the child was likely exposed during travel, and the source remains under investigation. Potential exposure sites included a Walmart and Hy-Vee in Ankeny and a UnityPoint urgent care facility, with officials asking visitors present during the identified dates and times to complete an exposure survey and monitor for symptoms for 21 days. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and rash. Anyone who develops symptoms should stay home and call a health care provider before seeking care; people who are unvaccinated, immunocompromised, have a potentially exposed infant or are unsure of their vaccination status should contact a provider or the Polk County Health Department. Officials say vaccination is the best protection, and MMR vaccination within 72 hours of exposure may help prevent illness in some cases. Iowa had reported 50 confirmed measles cases as of early November.