DES MOINES, Iowa — Measles cases are on the rise both nationally and in Iowa. There have been 1,300 cases reported nationally, eight in Iowa.

According to pediatric infectious disease specialist with UnityPoint Health, Dr. Joel Waddell, there have been more measles cases this calendar year than all of 2024. A large cause of the spike is fewer people getting vaccinated.

“By the end of last year, only about 84% of two-year-olds had even gotten the single dose of the measles vaccine, which is well below the 95% that you need for herd immunity,” Dr. Waddell said. “So there is a direct correlation from less people getting their children vaccinated and our increase in cases.”

Common symptoms of the measles can include a spiking fever, red eyes, a rash, and, often times a trip to the hospital. According to Dr. Waddell, the best way to protect yourself and your kids from contracting measles is by getting the MMR vaccine.

The vaccine was introduced in the 1960s in a time when measles cases were at their peak. Dr. Waddell said that by the year 2000, measles was all but erased in the U.S. due to the 97% effectiveness of the MMR vaccine. However, over the past few decades, fewer and fewer people are getting their kids vaccinated early.

With the Iowa State Fair and the first day of school approaching, Dr. Waddell said that it is very important to be fully vaccinated against measles to avoid contracting the disease.

“The good news on that end is that it’s mostly an outdoor venue. So the chances of catching measles is a little lower if you’re around someone with measles,” Dr. Waddell said. “So if you are going to go to the State Fair, go for it. But I would make sure you check your vaccination record and make sure you’ve had the appropriate vaccine.”

Dr. Waddell said that people who get the vaccine and are among the 3% that do contract the disease see very mild conditions, and the risk of hospitalization is almost none.

The best way to get the MMR vaccine is to talk to your primary healthcare provider or your local health department, according to Dr. Waddell.

More information about measles can be found here by the CDC.