DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the first 2025 case of measles in Iowa on Friday.

HHS reports a case was confirmed in an unvaccinated adult from central Iowa. The case tested positive through the State Hygienic Laboratory, according to HHS. This is the first confirmed 2025 case of measles in Iowa, and the first case of measles in Iowa since 2019.

Iowa joins 31 other states that have reported cases in an evolving measles outbreak. According to the HHS, this outbreak has been responsible for 1,024 confirmed measles cases and three confirmed measles deaths this year.

According to HHS, a thorough investigation has been completed, and public health officials will be reaching out to identified contacts. No widespread public exposure is anticipated.

“The best time to prevent measles is before an exposure occurs and the best tool we have is getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine,” said Dr. Robert Kruse, State Medical Director. “Getting vaccinated not only protects you but also protects people in your community who can’t get vaccinated, like infants too young to begin the series and those who are immunosuppressed. We ask Iowans to review their vaccination records and medical records to ensure they are protected and to reach out to their healthcare provider if they have questions.”

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that is spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red/watery eyes, runny nose, and a rash.

If you think you have been exposed to a measles case and have symptoms, call your medical provider or nearest emergency room ahead of time and tell them that you have been exposed to measles and have symptoms before arriving. Visit Iowa Health and Human Services for more information on measles.