Iowa Public Health Outbreak Report: November 2025
Measles Status
Active Outbreak
8 Confirmed Cases (2025)
Pertussis Trend
Elevated
Peak in Nov 2024, remains high
Respiratory Virus
Low / Rising
RSV increasing, Flu/COVID low
Executive Summary
As of November 30, 2025, Iowa is navigating a complex public health landscape characterized by the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases and significant environmental health challenges. The state is currently managing a Measles outbreak with case counts significantly higher than the previous decade's average. Concurrently, Pertussis (Whooping Cough) remains at elevated levels following a sharp spike in late 2024.
While the immediate threat of H5N1 Bird Flu to the general public remains low (with only one historical human case in Iowa from late 2024), surveillance continues due to widespread outbreaks in poultry. Additionally, a national Infant Botulism investigation has implicated a manufacturing facility in Allerton, Iowa, highlighting a critical supply chain risk.
Measles & Pertussis Resurgence
Measles: Iowa has identified 8 confirmed cases of measles in 2025. This stands in stark contrast to 2019, where only 2 cases were recorded. The outbreak is part of a larger national trend, with over 1,700 cases reported across the U.S. this year.
Pertussis: Whooping cough activity remains "elevated" compared to pre-pandemic levels. Polk County health officials reported a concentrated cluster of 19 cases earlier in the summer. While the trajectory has trended downward since the November 2024 peak, incidence rates in 2025 are still significantly higher than the 2023 baseline.
Measles Cases in Iowa (Yearly Comparison)
Environmental Health: E. Coli & Water Quality
The summer of 2025 was described by environmental groups as the "most un-swimmable" in recent history. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued a record-breaking number of beach advisories.
- 158 E. coli beach advisories issued (Record High).
- 13 Microcystin (algal toxin) advisories.
- 27 of 40 state beaches had at least one advisory.
Emerging Threat: Infant Botulism Investigation
A multistate outbreak of infant botulism is currently under investigation by the FDA and CDC. As of late November 2025, 37 infants across 17 states have been affected.
The Iowa Connection
The outbreak has been linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula. The manufacturer's facility in Allerton, Iowa (Blendhouse), was cited for "Voluntary Action Indicated" (VAI) due to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) deficiencies during a February 2025 inspection.
Current Status
While no cases have been explicitly confirmed within Iowa residents in the latest report, the state is central to the supply chain investigation. All 37 affected infants required hospitalization.
Respiratory Season Outlook (Nov 2025)
| Virus | Activity Level | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza (Flu) | LOW | Slowly Increasing |
| COVID-19 | LOW | Stable |
| RSV | MODERATE | Rising (Regional) |
Data Source: Iowa HHS Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report (Week 46, 2025).