Public Health urges community to check vaccination

MT. PLEASANT – As a growing measles outbreak continues to spread across the United States and into neighboring countries, Henry County Public Health Director Katie Reuter assured county officials that while no local cases have been reported, the threat remains real—and vigilance is essential.

Speaking to the Board of Supervisors during her monthly update on April 3, Reuter reported that the current outbreak has reached 18 jurisdictions and includes 483 confirmed cases, including two deaths. Cases have now been confirmed in Kansas, Ohio, and Mexico. The overwhelming majority—97 percent—of those infected were unvaccinated, a trend that highlights the critical role immunization plays in protecting public health.

“We continue to follow the measles outbreak, and that is spreading,” Reuter said.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

“Measles is the most contagious virus in the world,” Reuter explained. “It hangs in the air for a couple of hours.”

Because of this, public health officials must take extra precautions when testing suspected cases. If a patient is evaluated in a clinical setting, the testing room must be closed for several hours afterward to avoid exposing others. In Henry County, any testing samples will be sent to the State Hygienic Laboratory in Coralville for confirmation.

Though no cases have yet been reported in Henry County, local officials are closely monitoring the situation. The county boasts a strong immunization rate: approximately 97.8 percent of adolescents tracked by Henry County Public Health have received both recommended doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Reuter expressed concern, however, about vaccination rates in neighboring counties and across the state.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Iowa's measles vaccination numbers are now at 89% which is below the 95% public health experts recommend for maintaining herd immunity.

“There were several counties that are looking [at rates in the] 70% [range], most in the 80s, some low 90s,” Reuter added. “So, when they had the state meeting… there were concerns raised about how that affects community spread.”

Herd immunity plays a crucial role in controlling outbreaks. When a sufficient percentage of the population is immunized, it significantly limits the virus’s ability to spread—even to those who are not vaccinated due to age or medical conditions.

Measles requires especially high coverage because of how easily it transmits. According to the CDC, one person with measles can infect up to 90 percent of unvaccinated individuals they come in contact with.

Reuter emphasized that those who have received the MMR vaccine are at low risk for infection.

“If you're vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, you're in pretty good shape,” she said.

Measles is not a minor illness. It typically begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Within a few days, a rash of tiny red spots appears—usually starting at the hairline and spreading downward. Complications can be serious and include pneumonia, brain damage, deafness, and even death. According to Reuter, about one in five people who get measles will require hospitalization.

Children are especially vulnerable. The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine: the first at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second at 4 to 6 years. Infants between 6 and 11 months should receive one dose of the vaccine if they will be traveling abroad.

Although Henry County is in a strong position, Reuter urged residents not to become complacent. She encouraged parents and caregivers to double-check their children’s vaccination status and consult their healthcare providers if they have questions or concerns.

With measles circulating in many parts of the country and internationally, cases can be brought into Iowa at any time. Public health departments across the state are coordinating with the Iowa Department of Health and the CDC to monitor developments and respond quickly to any potential threats.

In the meantime, Henry County Public Health continues to educate the public and prepare for any potential cases.

For more information about measles, the MMR vaccine, or how to check your vaccination records, residents can visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents or contact Henry County Public Health directly.

“We’re in a good place right now,” Reuter said. “But it only takes one case to change that. We all have a role to play in keeping our community healthy.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com