Public Health Officials Urge Cherokee County Residents to Act as Measles Cases Rise Nationwide
With 800 measles cases to-date reported across 25 states in 2025 (the most since 1992) Cherokee County Public Health is urging residents to confirm their vaccination status and take proactive steps to protect themselves and others. So far, this year’s nationwide outbreak has led to three deaths, additionally, 20 percent of the children under age five who have contracted the illness have been hospitalized.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world, spreading easily through coughs, sneezes, and even lingering air. It can cause serious complications including pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and death – particularly in young children and unvaccinated adults.
While Cherokee County has relatively strong immunization rates, they remain below the 95 percent coverage needed for herd immunity. In Cherokee County, 84.3 percent of 2-year-olds have received one dose of the MMR vaccine and 85.9 percent of kindergartners have received two doses. This means our schools and communities are vulnerable to an outbreak if measles is introduced locally. We currently have no reported cases of active measles in Cherokee County.
“This isn’t just a national issue, it’s a local one,” said Cherokee County Public Health officials. “With current vaccination rates, our community is vulnerable. If measles arrives here, it could spread quickly, especially among infants and children too young to be fully vaccinated.”
Cherokee County Public Health is offering FREE MMR vaccinations to anyone age 6-months and older who qualify. Vaccines are also available through many of our local medical providers and are typically covered by insurance.
Upcoming Public Health Vaccine Clinics:

• Cherokee County Public Health: May 12 (8:30 AM – 4:00 PM), May 28 (10:30 AM – 6:00 PM)
• Marcus Community Center: May 8 (3:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
• Aurelia Community Center: May 22 (3:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
  Who needs MMR Immunizations:
• Children 12-15 months of age for their first dose of MMR and a second dose at 4-6 years of age (prior to entering kindergarten)
• Children as young as 6 months if they are traveling internationally
• Individuals born before 1957 are generally considered immune. They may request a titer test to confirm.
• Individuals born in 1957 or later should receive one dose, unless they have:
  Documented MMR vaccination
  Laboratory evidence of immunity
  A contraindication to the vaccine
• Healthcare workers need 2 doses at least 28 days apart
• International travelers need 2 doses at least
• Postsecondary school students need 2 doses at least 28 days apart
  *Special Note for Adults Born 1963–1967:
  You may have received an inactive MMR vaccine that is now known to be ineffective. A new MMR vaccination is recommended.
  If you aren’t sure of your vaccination history, we can help. If you were born before 2007, your immunization records may not be available in Iowa’s statewide database, known as IRIS (Iowa’s Immunization Registry Information System). This means your healthcare provider might not be able to confirm your vaccination status through the system. However, at our upcoming free MMR vaccine clinics, we can help you check or update your records, assist you in locating past vaccination information, and provide the MMR vaccine if needed. Keeping your records current ensures you and your family are protected—and helps us keep our community safe.
  Help us keep Cherokee County healthy and strong. Confirm your vaccination records, talk to your healthcare provider, or call Public Health at 712.225.2129 to get vaccinated today.