Mitchell County Confirms Measles Case, Offers Free MMR Vaccines to North Iowa Residents

OSAGE, Iowa — Mitchell County Public Health has confirmed a measles case in the North Iowa area and is urging residents to check their MMR vaccination status and know how to respond if they may have been exposed, according to the agency.

Free MMR vaccines are available through Mitchell County Public Health for anyone who needs one, regardless of insurance status, the agency said.

Anyone who believes they were exposed to measles, or who is unsure whether they are protected, should call Mitchell County Public Health at 641-832-3500, according to the agency.

People who are currently sick are asked to stay home and call before going in person to any clinic, pharmacy or hospital, health officials said. Residents should not wait for a rash to appear before calling, as fever, cough, a runny nose and red, watery eyes typically come first, with a rash usually developing later and starting on the face before spreading down the body.

Anyone who is not sick but knows they are not protected against measles is urged to call Mitchell County Public Health right away, especially if the exposed person is a baby under 1 year old, pregnant or has a weakened immune system, according to the agency. Health officials said the MMR vaccine may help if given within three days of first exposure, and immune globulin may help certain people if given within six days of first exposure.

People are considered protected from measles if they have been vaccinated and have proof, have had measles before and have lab documentation, or were born before 1957, according to Mitchell County Public Health.

Health officials are asking anyone who may have been exposed to watch for symptoms for 21 days after their last exposure. Those who become sick are asked to stay home and away from others, avoiding church, school, work, shared meals, weddings, stores, visits and family gatherings, and to call ahead before leaving home for care rather than walking into a clinic or hospital unannounced, officials said. Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 and tell the dispatcher about the measles exposure before help arrives, according to the agency.

Those found not to be protected are asked to stay home until 21 days after their most recent exposure or until local public health clears them, officials said.

Residents who call Mitchell County Public Health are asked to have any vaccine records ready and to tell staff immediately if anyone exposed is a baby under 1 year old, pregnant or has a weakened immune system.

Mitchell County Public Health is located at 415 Pleasant St. in Osage. The agency also pointed residents to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services’ weekly measles updates, which are updated once a week.

Mitchell County Public Health can be reached at 641-832-3500.