On May 23, 2025, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reported a confirmed case of measles in central Iowa in an unvaccinated adult. The case tested positive through the State Hygienic Laboratory and was the first confirmed case of measles in Iowa in 2025, and the first case in Iowa since 2019.

Iowa is among 31 other United States jurisdictions in an evolving measles outbreak that has been responsible for 1,024 confirmed measles cases and 3 confirmed measles deaths this year. A thorough investigation has been completed. Public health officials will be reaching out to identified contacts, and no widespread public exposure is anticipated.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that is spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red/watery eyes, runny nose, and a rash. Measles can cause severe complications. About 1 in 10 people in the U. S. who get measles will be hospitalized, and 1 to 3 out of 1,000 children with measles will die even with good medical care.

The MMR vaccine series is 97% effective against measles. The first MMR does is given at 12-15 months and the second dose is given at 4-6 years. Currently 84% of 2-year-olds in Iowa are vaccinated, which is below the 95% threshold required to prevent outbreaks.

There are no age limits for Iowans on Medicaid who wish to receive preventative MMR vaccinations.