Child With Measles May Have Spread Virus in Johnson County

Johnson County Public Health officials have issued a warning for residents in Coralville and Iowa City due to possible exposure to the measles virus.

The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that an unvaccinated child was infected with measles while visiting another county, and then may have exposed residents of Johnson County to the virus. The incident happened about one week ago.

What Is The Measles Virus?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that causes a widespread red and blotchy rash, according to the Gazette. But it can also be dangerous, even deadly, causing brain inflammation and pneumonia. The virus was eliminated in the United States in 2000 thanks to vaccination efforts. But outbreaks can occur when residents travel to other countries and become infected. The Gazette reports that this year's national measles outbreak is the worst since 2019.

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Where Was the Infected Child in Johnson County?

Johnson County Public Health says that the infected child visited three stores in Johnson County while still infectious. People who visited those stores might also have been infected, according to the Gazette. The stores include;

Costco, 2900 Heartland Dr., Coralville, on June 4 between 11:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.
Walmart at 919 Highway 1 West in Iowa City, on June 4 between 2:30 and 5:30 p.m.
Marshalls at 1451 Coral Ridge Ave. in Coralville, on June 5 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Gazette reports that Johnson County Public Health officials want people who were in those stores at those times to submit their information online HERE, and continue to monitor themselves for symptoms.

This is the third confirmed case of measles in Iowa in 2025.