Measles has been confirmed in a child who recently traveled internationally in Polk County, prompting public health officials to trace potential exposures across Ankeny and Des Moines.
The diagnosis brings Iowa’s total to 50 confirmed measles cases for 2026, according to the Des Moines Register. Public health officials have tracked evidence of direct person-to-person transmission as the virus circulates through the region.
The Polk County Health Department (PCHD) is collaborating with Iowa Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) to notify individuals who may have crossed paths with the contagious child. Because the virus stays airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room, officials have released a detailed timeline of public locations visited while the child was contagious.
Exposures Reported at Retailers and Hospitals
Public health authorities have identified specific commercial and medical sites where visitors may have encountered the virus.
On Thursday, November 5, the child visited the Ankeny Walmart located at 1002 National Dr. between 5 and 8 p.m., according to Polk County Iowa. The following day on Friday, November 6, the patient went to the Hy-Vee at 410 N. Ankeny Blvd. from noon to 3 p.m.
Medical facilities make up the remaining exposure windows.
On Sunday, November 8, the child visited the UnityPoint Clinic Urgent Care at 3625 N. Ankeny Blvd. from 10:10 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Later that same day, the patient went to UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center and Blank Children’s Hospital at 1200 Pleasant St. in Des Moines.
Specific hospital exposure windows include the emergency department waiting room from 11:25 a.m. to 1:35 p.m., the Blank Children’s Hospital Emergency Department from 11:30 a.m. to 5:20 p.m., the hallway leading to inpatient elevators from 3:15 to 5:25 p.m., and the hospital’s fourth floor from 3:20 to 10:45 p.m. Additional exposure sites may emerge as the investigation continues.
Symptoms and Vaccination Guidance
Measles is characterized by a high fever, cough, red and watery eyes, a runny nose, and a characteristic rash. Symptoms typically manifest 7 to 14 days after exposure, though the incubation period can stretch to 21 days.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90% of susceptible individuals who encounter the virus will contract it, and roughly 1 in 5 infected patients require hospitalization. Complications can range from ear infections and diarrhea to pneumonia and swelling of the brain.
The MMR vaccine provides approximately 97% protection against infection after two doses.
State health officials note that the recent rise in cases stems largely from declining vaccination coverage.
Anyone who visited the listed locations during the specified times should complete the online [measles exposure tracking survey] provided by health officials.
Fully vaccinated individuals should monitor for symptoms for 21 days, while unvaccinated residents or those with compromised immune systems should contact their healthcare provider or PCHD at 515-323-5221 for immediate guidance. Patients exhibiting symptoms are instructed to stay home and call ahead before visiting any medical facility to prevent further exposure.
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