Iowa reports 7th measles case as U.S. outbreak grows
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The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) this week confirmed the state's seventh case of measles this year, raising concerns about a disease that was once nearly eradicated in the U.S.
Why it matters: The return of measles — mostly caused by unvaccinated travelers and falling immunization rates — raises concerns as families travel or go on international vacations during peak summer season.
Catch up quick: Measles spreads easily through the air, can stay in indoor spaces for hours, and causes serious illness in children and immunocompromised people.
- Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing the disease, which causes high fever, rash, cough and red eyes and can lead to severe complications like brain inflammation.
State of play: Before this year, the last confirmed cases of measles in Iowa were in 2019, when there were two, per the HHS.
- Although the MMR shot is safe and effective, vaccination rates among Iowa kindergartners fell below the herd immunity target of 95% in the 2024-25 school year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The big picture: The U.S. is currently experiencing a multistate measles outbreak with nearly 1,300 cases confirmed in at least 39 states so far this year, according to the CDC.
- There have been three confirmed deaths, and 13% of cases led to hospitalization.
What's next: The CDC still recommends MMR vaccines as the best way to protect against measles.