Photo: AndreyPopov / iStock / Getty Images
(Des Moines, IA) -- An unvaccinated child from eastern Iowa who traveled internationally has been diagnosed as the third case of measles in Iowa this year, an infection that public health experts say could have been prevented.
The first measles case in Iowa was diagnosed last month in central Iowa. The second diagnosis occurred earlier this week in eastern Iowa.
"The MMR vaccine, which is measles, mumps, rubella, that vaccine is safe, effective, and provides lifelong protection for most people. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles," said Addie Olson of the Polk County Health Department.
Officials have identified several locations visited by the child while contagious: Costco in Coralville and Walmart in Iowa City on June 4, and Marshall's in Coralville on June 5. Johnson County Public Health is asking anyone at those stores on those days to take a short survey to assess their risk of getting or spreading measles.
She says Polk County already has a plan in place to address any local cases of measles.
"We would investigate the stores, conduct contact tracing to see who may have been exposed, and if needed, we would issue public health alerts with exposure locations and guidance," said Olson.