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Iowa’s First Measles Case in 2026 | Des Moines News
Iowa’s first measles case in 2026 is a wake-up call: an adult traveler, vaccinated but exposed overseas, has sparked a public health scramble. With measles declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, cases are surging—nearly 2,200 this year alone, up from just 59 in 2023. Polk County’s low vaccination rates and nationwide vaccine hesitancy are fueling the outbreak. Experts warn that 95% community immunity is needed to stop measles, and Iowa’s kindergarten vaccination rate lags behind the national average. If you’re traveling abroad this summer, check for needed boosters—even if measles shots…
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