Iowa health officials are working to track and contain a growing measles outbreak in south-central Iowa, confirmed by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Over the past seven weeks, cases have grown from a single case to 17 confirmed cases as of Aug. 24. Most patients and exposure locations have been in or near Davis, Polk, Dallas, Warren, Madison, and Wapello counties. A list of the specific locations HHS identified is included with this story on our website.
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash. People who believe they were exposed and develop symptoms should call a health care provider or emergency room before arriving to avoid exposing others. State health officials urged people who are unvaccinated or uncertain of their immunity to discuss the MMR vaccine with a health care professional or local public health agency. Measles is highly contagious, but generally not considered dangerous except for very young children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems…