CLAY COUNTY, IA (Northwestiowanow) — As measles cases continue to rise across Iowa, Clay County residents are being encouraged to make sure their vaccinations are up to date.

According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, the state has reported 17 confirmed measles cases so far this year, eight more than the nine cases reported during all of 2025.

Clay County Public Health Director Angel Smith says residents should be aware of the symptoms of measles, especially if they have recently traveled or may have been exposed to someone with the virus.

 

 

Smith says the MMR vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent infection.

 

 

As the school year gets underway, Smith says schools already have procedures in place to help prevent the spread of measles and other illnesses.

 

 

Additional information is available through Clay County Public Health and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.