POLK COUNTY, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — Health officials have confirmed a measles case in Polk County, the first in nearly three decades.
The case involves an infant who recently traveled to an area experiencing widespread measles activity and is believed to have contracted the illness during the trip.
Because of the child’s age, they were too young to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which provides protection against the disease.
Officials say there are no known public exposure locations linked to this case, and no additional cases have been identified in Polk County.
As of December 17, 2025, Iowa had recorded eight confirmed measles cases statewide, with the Polk County case bringing the total to nine.Public health leaders are urging residents to check their vaccination status, noting that Polk County’s current vaccination rate is about 85 percent—below the level needed to prevent community spread.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children. Symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure and may include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
Anyone who suspects exposure or develops symptoms should call a health care provider before seeking in-person care to avoid further transmission. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide strong, long-lasting protection against measles.
For more information, visit the Polk County Health Department website or the disease prevention section at hhs.iowa.gov.
