TX lawmakers vote to make school vaccine exemptions easier

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6. First Measles Case Since 2019 Reported in Iowa

by Nathan Konz
May 27, 2025

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed the state’s first measles case since 2019. The case involves an unvaccinated adult in central Iowa who tested positive through the State Hygienic Laboratory. The case marks Iowa’s entry into a broader swath of measles cases reported in 31 other jurisdictions, with 1,024 confirmed cases and three deaths in 2025. Officials note the individual’s contacts have been identified, and no widespread public exposure is anticipated. Iowa State Medical Director Dr. Robert Kruse says, “The best time to prevent measles is before an exposure occurs, and the best tool we have is getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Getting vaccinated not only protects you but also protects people in your community who can’t get vaccinated, like infants too young to begin the series and those who are immunosuppressed. We ask Iowans to review their vaccination records and medical records to ensure they are protected and to reach out to their health care provider if they have questions.” Measles is a highly contagious virus spread through the air and can cause severe complications in rare cases. HHS staff says the two-dose MMR vaccine is 97 percent effective. However, only 84 percent of Iowa’s two-year-olds are currently vaccinated, which is below the 95 percent threshold necessary for herd immunity.

https://www.1380kcim.com/2025/05/27/first-measles-case-since-2019-reported-in-iowa/