Officials announced today (Thursday) they have confirmed the second reported case of measles in the state. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa confirmed the virus was present in a northeast Iowa resident, who had household contact with a different patient diagnosed last weekend. This person was identified during an initial investigation of the original case and had been under voluntary home confinement at the time of their diagnosis. Officials indicate there is not a threat to the general public at this time. One of the individuals recently returned from Israel, where a measles outbreak is taking place, and the department reports neither person had received the vaccine for the disease. This is only the second confirmed instance of measles in Iowa since 2011. The department says, “These cases serve as a reminder for all Iowans to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date. Vaccines prevent diseases and save lives.”
