Iowa health officials reported finding three new measles cases in the past week, charting the spread of the highly infectious disease last seen in Iowa in 2019.
The new cases disclosed Thursday, June 19, double Iowa’s share of what the Department of Health and Human Services has described as a “multistate measles outbreak” that began earlier this year. Iowa had previously identified three cases, one in May and two in June.
Here’s what we know about the latest report:
Who are the latest measles patients?
In its weekly measles update, Iowa HHS shared information about three new cases: a woman aged 18-40, and two juveniles, one male and one female. All are from eastern Iowa.
The department reports that five of the six measles patients, including all three of the latest cases, were unvaccinated against the disease.
How did the new patients contract measles?
According to HHS, all three new patients acquired the disease locally through “household contact.”
That makes these the first cases spread by local contagion in the outbreak. All three prior Iowa patients were reportedly exposed while travelling out of the state.
What are the symptoms of measles?
According to the Mayo Clinic, measles symptoms show up around one to two weeks after someone is in contact with the virus.
Initial symptoms include:
About two to three days after the first symptoms, tiny white spots (Koplik spots) might appear inside the infected person’s mouth.
Roughly three to five days after the first symptoms, a rash likely will appear, comprised of large, flat spots and small raised bumps starting on the face or neck that spreads down the body.
Someone with measles can spread the virus four days before and after a rash appears.
How does measles spread?
Measles spreads by breathing in the virus that travels on droplets after people cough or sneeze. It is less common to get measles from objects contaminated with infected droplets, according to Iowa HHS.
People can spread measles for several days before getting a rash and several days after the rash develops. It is one of the most contagious infections known to exist, according to Iowa HHS.
How many measles cases have been reported nationwide?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of June 12, there have been 1,197 confirmed measles cases this year in 35 states.
By comparison, there were 285 measles cases confirmed nationwide in 2024, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Reporter Kate Kealey contributed to this report.
William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa measles cases double with 3 new patients identified in eastern Iowa
Reporting by William Morris, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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