Polk County health officials announced Friday that a child diagnosed with measles visited several public venues in Ankeny and Des Moines earlier this week. The department is asking anyone who may have been at those sites to fill out a brief survey and monitor for fever, rash or other measles symptoms.

Exposure locations and times

According to the county’s release, the following locations were visited by the infected child:

• Thursday, November 5, 2026 – Walmart, Ankeny (5 p.m. – 8 p.m.) – 1002 National Dr.
• Friday, November 6, 2026 – Hy‑Vee, North Ankeny Blvd. (12 p.m. – 3 p.m.) – 410 N. Ankeny Blvd.
• Sunday, November 8, 2026 – UnityPoint Clinic Urgent Care, Ankeny (10:10 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.) – 3625 N. Ankeny Blvd.
• Des Moines Emergency Departments – Iowa Methodist Medical Center / Blank Children’s Hospital (various times between 11:25 a.m. and 10:45 p.m.) – 1200 Pleasant St., and multiple areas within the hospital.

Anyone who was present at any of these sites during the listed windows should complete the online exposure survey provided by the Polk County Health Department and contact their health care provider if symptoms develop.

Why vaccination matters

UnityPoint Health, a major health system in the region, reiterated the importance of staying up‑to‑date on childhood vaccinations. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children. The organization urges parents to ensure their children have received the recommended measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is safe, effective, and widely available.

Statewide context

The Iowa Department of Public Health reported that the state has confirmed 50 measles cases as of last week, reflecting a broader national increase in the disease. Health officials attribute the rise to pockets of under‑immunized communities and emphasize that vaccination remains the most reliable defense against outbreaks.

What to do if you think you were exposed

Polk County health workers advise anyone who believes they may have been exposed to:

1. Complete the exposure survey linked on the county’s website.
2. Watch for early signs of measles, such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash that typically starts on the face and spreads.
3. Contact a medical professional promptly if symptoms appear. Early treatment can reduce the severity of the illness.
4. Consider getting the MMR vaccine if you are not already fully immunized, especially if you work in schools, child‑care settings, or other environments with vulnerable populations.

By acting quickly, residents can help protect themselves, their families, and the broader community from further spread.

Community response

Local parents and community leaders have expressed concern but also gratitude for the transparent communication from health officials. Many are using the opportunity to schedule missed vaccinations for their children, reinforcing the shared responsibility of safeguarding public health.

For the latest updates, visit the Polk County Health Department’s website or follow their social‑media channels.

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.