The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services recently reported the first case of measles the state has seen since 2019.

According to HHS, the individual that contracted measles was an unvaccinated adult. State Medical Director Dr. Robert Kruse says the best way to prevent someone from getting the disease is by being vaccinated. Greene County Public Health Director Shelby Cooklin agrees.

“The measles vaccine, typically given as part of the MMR, which is measles, mumps and rubella, has been proven for decades to be a safe and highly effective way to prevent the disease. Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known and without immunity nearly everyone exposed will be infected.” 

Iowa HHS officials say the MMR vaccine series is 97 percent effective against measles. Iowa HHS says the investigation into the confirmed case has been done and public health officials are following through with contacting anyone who may have had an interaction with the individual in order to prevent a widespread outbreak. 

According to HHS, the state is now part of the 31 states that have reported a confirmed case of measles that has led to 1,024 cases and three confirmed deaths resulting from measles. Contact Greene County Public Health for more information about the vaccine and the disease at 515-386-3228.