Des Moines County public health warns of local measles exposures, rising pertussis cases

A Des Moines County public health official told the Board of Supervisors on June 17 that Iowa has reported three measles cases, and local exposures tied to retail visits in the Iowa City/Coralville area may have occurred on June 4–5.

“...we are also seeing some cases of pertussis which is whooping cough in our community so definitely want people to be aware of that,” the public health official said, advising residents to ensure they are up to date on vaccines and to contact the local health department or a health-care provider with questions about testing.

The public health official identified potential exposure windows and locations reported by state investigators: Costco (Iowa City/Coralville) on June 4, Walmart (Highway 1, Iowa City) on June 4, and Marshalls (Coralville) on June 5, with specific time ranges cited by investigators. Public health staff said they are doing contact tracing and urged anyone present at those locations during the stated times to reach out to the health department for guidance.

Officials also described pertussis as initially resembling a cold but progressing to severe coughs that can lead to vomiting; they encouraged vaccination and early contact with health services for testing or information.

The board did not take formal action on the report; staff said the department can assist residents with testing and information as needed.