Measles outbreak affects Ottumwa business as health officials respond to potential exposures

Iowa Health and Human Services identified Ottumwa’s Pizza Ranch as a possible exposure site.

The restaurant’s owner, Curt Hopkins, said no one warned him before the information became public.

“Hearing it from a family member that’s watching on the 6 o’clock news, being blindsided by it is an unfortunate way to find out,” Hopkins said.

The restaurant remains open, and customers are still coming in, though fewer than before. Hopkins said he’s seeing a decline in his business.

“My business has been severely damaged by this. We’ve lost 50% of our sales in a matter of three days,” Hopkins said.

Hopkins said he has one request for health officials going forward.

“I hope that somebody would at some point, it would be nice to have some kind of a heads up that something like this has happened or someone’s been in my business,” Hopkins said.

Bloomfield has three possible exposure sites.

Health officials say measles is difficult to contain because it spreads through coughs and sneezes and can linger in the air for up to two hours after a contagious person leaves a room.

Lynelle Diers, with Wapello County Public Health, said residents should monitor for symptoms.

“You need to watch for symptoms and either contact your health provider or contact public health,” Diers said.

That contact triggers a response on the health care side as well.

Kim Hamilton, nurse and director of quality and risk at Ottumwa Regional Health Center, said early notice makes a difference.

“When people call ahead of time, it gives us the opportunity to implement some isolation, which helps protect our patients, their families and staff members,” Hamilton said.

Ottumwa Regional Health Center has also conducted an inventory of its equipment, adding extra masks and personal protective equipment for staff and patients.

Health officials say watch for fever, rash, red or watery eyes, and a runny nose.

If you develop symptoms, call your doctor or the ER before you go in.