Iowa’s third case of measles has been confirmed and it is in Johnson County. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is notifying the public due to potential exposure in public areas and it is noted that this case is not related to the previous two cases.

This case is in an unvaccinated child who was exposed during international travel. The child visited the following locations while contagious and the public may have been exposed: Costco in Coralville on June 4th from 11:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Walmart on Highway 1 in Iowa City on June 4th between 2:30 and 5:30 p.m., and Marshalls in Coralville on June 5th between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.  

If you visited these locations and you are unvaccinated or unsure of your immune status, you are asked to complete a questionnaire at this link or call the Johnson County Public Health office at 319-356-6040.

Measles is highly contagious and is spread through the air. When an infectious person coughs, sneezes, or breathes the virus can infect another person. Measles can live in the air for up to two hours after an infectious person leaves the space, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The MMR vaccine is recommended to prevent the spread of measles.  

Those who think they’ve been exposed to measles or who have symptoms, should call a medical provider or call nearest emergency room ahead of time. Tell them of your exposure status and symptoms before arriving.

So far this year, there have been 1,168 cases of measles in the U.S. confirmed with 137 hospitalizations and three deaths.