Polk County Traces 109 Contacts in Iowa's 1st Measles Case, Ordering 13 Blood Draws
Updated
Updated · KCCI Des Moines · Jul 15
Polk County Traces 109 Contacts in Iowa's 1st Measles Case, Ordering 13 Blood Draws
1 articles · Updated · KCCI Des Moines · Jul 15
Summary
Polk County public health has contacted 109 people who may have crossed paths with Iowa’s first confirmed measles case of 2026 after mapping the patient’s movements from July 1 to July 5.
Thirteen people have already been asked to get blood draws when their immunity was unclear, while investigators are also checking vaccination status and symptoms because measles spreads easily through the air.
The patient was a vaccinated adult who contracted measles during international travel, a rare breakthrough infection that officials said is typically milder and less contagious than cases in unvaccinated people.
The investigation remains open, and the health department is asking anyone worried about possible exposure to submit a form for follow-up contact.