Ottumwa Regional preps for measles
August 23, 2026
By Elizabeth Shores
OTTUMWA, Iowa - According to the CDC, 15 cases have been recorded in Iowa as of Aug. 20, and Ottumwa Regional Health Center (ORHC) officials are making sure staff is ready for a possible increase in patients.
ORHC Director of Quality and Risk Kimberly Hamilton says even though two of those cases were in Davis County, it’s not a guarantee that Wapello County will see cases. Still, they’ve stocked up on extra PPE and are making sure staff members are able to identify measles symptoms.
Those usually include:
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Red or watery eyes
• A rash starting from someone’s face or hairline and going down toward their body
Hamilton says the airborne virus is extremely contagious and can linger in the air for hours after an infected person leaves the area. People who are unvaccinated, young or old are most at risk of catching it.
She also says if you think you or someone else has measles and needs to go to the hospital, to call beforehand.
Hamilton says getting the MMR vaccine is one of the best ways to protect yourself from measles and recommends speaking with your doctor to determine what’s best for you.
According to the CDC, there are also reported cases of Measles in Missouri and Illinois.