The Polk County Health Department confirmed a new measles case in a child, prompting public health officials to trace potential exposures at multiple locations in Ankeny and Des Moines.
Exposure Locations and Times in Polk County
Public health officials listed several public sites and healthcare facilities visited by the infected child.
“With measles continuing to circulate in the region, Iowa HHS anticipates that additional cases may occur, particularly among individuals who are not protected against measles through vaccination or prior infection,” HHS said in a news release.
- Walmart in Ankeny (1002 National Dr): Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., according to the Polk County Health Department.
- Hy-Vee on North Ankeny Blvd (410 N. Ankeny Blvd.): Friday, November 6, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., according to the Polk County Health Department.
- UnityPoint Clinic Urgent Care in Ankeny (3625 N. Ankeny Blvd.): Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 10:10 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., according to the Polk County Health Department.
- Iowa Methodist Medical Center / Blank Children’s Hospital Emergency Department waiting room (1200 Pleasant Street, Des Moines): Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 11:25 a.m. to 1:35 p.m., according to the Polk County Health Department.
- Blank Children’s Hospital Emergency Department: Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:20 p.m., according to the Polk County Health Department.
- Hallway from Blank Children’s Emergency Department to inpatient elevators: Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 3:15 p.m. to 5:25 p.m., according to the Polk County Health Department.
- Blank Children’s Hospital 4th floor: Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 3:20 p.m. to 10:45 p.m., according to the Polk County Health Department.
Measles Spreads Through Air and Causes Fever and Rash
Measles is counted among the most contagious infectious diseases. It spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, according to the Polk County Health Department.
The virus can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Unvaccinated or non-immune people face a 90% chance of contracting the virus upon exposure, according to the Polk County Health Department.
Viral symptoms include fever, cough, red and watery eyes, a runny nose, and a rash. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days, according to The Des Moines Register.
Action Steps for Exposed People
Anyone present at any of the identified exposure locations during the listed times is asked to complete an online tracking survey provided by the Polk County Health Department.
Fully vaccinated people who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine or who have previously had measles should monitor for symptoms for 21 days following potential exposure, according to the Polk County Health Department.
People who are not fully vaccinated, have potentially exposed infants, are immunocompromised, or do not know their vaccination status should contact their healthcare provider or call the Polk County Health Department at 515-323-5221 for guidance, according to the Polk County Health Department.
Anyone developing symptoms should stay home and call their healthcare provider before seeking medical care. They must inform the facility of potential measles exposure before arrival, according to the Polk County Health Department.
Earlier coverage: Wisconsin Department of Health Reports Infant Measles Death, First Since 1990
