Measles Community Notice

August 24, 2026

There is an outbreak of measles in our neighboring communities. JCHC is providing information about measles and when to seek medical care.

DO NOT report directly to JCHC if you believe you have measles, call first at 641-472-4111.

About Measles

Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus:

  • It can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children.
  • Measles spreads through the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes.
  • The virus can stay in the air for 2 hours after a person with measles leaves the space.
  • It is so contagious that about 9 out of 10 people who come near a person with measles will also become infected if not vaccinated.
  • The best way to prevent measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
  • Anyone who is not vaccinated is at risk of measles infection and severe complications.

Signs and Symptoms 

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include:

  • High fever (may spike to more than 104°F)
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red and/or watery eyes
  • Rash (breaks out 3-5 days after symptoms begin)

Possible Complications

Measles can cause severe health problems, including:

  • Pneumonia
  •  Swelling of the brain (encephalitis)
  • Possibly even death

If You Think Someone Has Measles

If someone in your family has symptoms of measles:

  • Keep them separated from family members who are not sick.
  • Everyone in the household should stay home to help prevent spreading measles to neighbors and others in the community.
  • Call JCHC immediately to report that someone in your household may have measles. JCHC staff will provide further instructions on what to do next.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If the person who is sick gets rapidly worse, or has any of the symptoms listed below, take them to the emergency department of a hospital immediately. DO NOT WAIT.

  • Trouble breathing (or breathing faster than normal)
  • Pain when breathing or coughing
  • Dehydration (dry nose and mouth, urinating less, crying without making tears)
  • Fever or headache that will not stop
  • Confusion, decreased alertness, or severe weakness
  • Blue color around the mouth, low energy, or difficulty feeding (for young children)

Have someone call before you arrive. Let JCHC know if a person who may be sick with measles is coming.

Preventing Measles

MMR vaccination is the best way to prevent measles and its complications. For those who cannot or prefer not to get vaccinated, risk of measles infection and severe illness during an outbreak is much higher.

Recognizing measles and getting appropriate medical care is important to help prevent spread of the virus and to prevent severe complications. One dose of MMR is 93% effective at preventing measles and two doses of MMR are 97% effective at preventing measles.