DES MOINES, Iowa -- Measles cases are on the rise both nationally and in Iowa. There have been 1,300 cases reported nationally, eight in Iowa.

According to pediatric infectious disease specialist with UnityPoint Health, Dr. Joel Waddell, there have been more measles cases this calendar year than all of 2024. A large cause of the spike is fewer people getting vaccinated.

"By the end of last year, only about 84% of two-year-olds had even gotten the single dose of the measles vaccine, which is well below the 95% that you need for herd immunity," Dr. Waddell said. "So there is a direct correlation from less people getting their children vaccinated and our increase in cases."

Common symptoms of the measles can include a spiking fever, red eyes, a rash, and, often times a trip to the hospital

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