Updated

Updated · KMAland · Aug 18

Southern Iowa Confirms 12 Measles Cases Across 3 Counties as Officials Urge MMR Checks

Updated

Updated · KMAland · Aug 18

Southern Iowa Confirms 12 Measles Cases Across 3 Counties as Officials Urge MMR Checks

Q: As an invisible threat stalks local stores, could you be carrying the highly contagious virus without showing symptoms yet?

Yes. You can be infected with measles and spread it before you realize you are sick. Health authorities say people with measles are contagious from about four days before the rash appears until four days after it starts, which means someone may still be in the symptom-free or early-symptom stage while exposing others. That is why Iowa officials are warning people who visited the listed stores and other sites in Clive, West Des Moines, Des Moines, and Bloomfield to monitor themselves for up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after infection, but they can take as long as 21 days. Early signs are often fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes; the rash usually comes later. The risk is highest for people who are not immune. Public health guidance says immunity generally means having two documented MMR doses, prior lab-confirmed measles, lab evidence of immunity, or being born before 1957. Two MMR doses are about 97% effective. Vaccinated people can still rarely get measles, but they usually have milder illness and are less likely to spread it. If you were at one of the exposure locations and are unvaccinated, unsure of your status, pregnant, immunocompromised, or caring for an infant, contact a healthcare provider promptly. If symptoms appear, stay home and call ahead before going to a clinic or emergency room so staff can prevent further exposure.

3 articles · Updated · KMAland · Aug 18

Taylor County Public Health said confirmed measles cases are now in its service area, covering Taylor, Adams and Ringgold counties in southern Iowa.
The agency is working with Iowa Health and Human Services and local healthcare partners as the investigation continues, after the state reported 12 cases and evidence of person-to-person spread.
Symptoms can appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downward.
Anyone who may have been exposed and develops symptoms should call a healthcare provider or public health before seeking in-person care; officials said the MMR vaccine remains the best protection.