OTTUMWA, Iowa —
Iowa Health and Human Services confirmed 17 measles cases in the southern part of Iowa, which is two more than their previous report.
Department has added another potential location for exposure. Sunnyside Grocery, in Bloomfield between the hours of 11 am and 2 pm on August 15, may have exposed people to measles.
This article includes a list of all possible exposure locations including the dates and time, along with an interactive map.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks out on the latest outbreak of measles in Iowa
Where and when you may have been exposed to measles
Source: Iowa HHS
Natural Grocer’s clive
Clive, IA 8650 Hickman Rd.
Tuesday, July 28th, 2026 from 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Vero Health Center
West Des Moines, IA – 630 S. 50th St.
Tuesday, July 28th, 2026 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Office Depot
3910 University Ave. West Des Moines IA
Tuesday, July 28th, 2026 from 5 pm to 7:30 pm
Menards
Clive, IA 12000 Hickman Rd.
Tuesday, July 28th, 2026 from 6-8:30 pm
Menards
Des Moines IA 6000 SE 14th St.
Tuesday, July 28th, 2026 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Wells Hometown Drug
Bloomfield, IA – 208 E. Franklin St.
Thursday, July 30th, 2026 from 4:30-7:30 p.m.
JR Feed and Supply
Bloomfield, IA, 17599 200th St.
Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Pizza Ranch
1791 Venture Drive, Ottumwa, IA
Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, 12-3 p.m.
Sunnyside Grocery
22422 County Road 63 Bloomfield, IA
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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You may have your finances in mind when you go to the supermarket (groceries can be expensive). You may be focusing on food that supports your hormones, blood sugar, or heart health. But Dr. Brian T. Lee MD, transplant hepatologist and Hoag Hospital, advises people to consider their liver when choosing food for the week. Dr. Lee stresses that it is not enough to avoid alcohol or limit your intake.
He tells Parade that the liver is one of the main metabolic centers in our body. It helps to process nutrients that we take in, and converts some into energy for use later.
There are many foods that Dr. Lee recommends avoiding.
He says that when the liver is repeatedly overloaded with sugar, calories, or alcohol, it will convert some of this excess energy into fat. There is a direct link between the food we eat and how our liver functions. It’s important to know what everyday choices in foods and beverages affect our liver.
In order to avoid this, Dr. Lee loads his shopping cart up with fruits, vegetables, grains, and unsaturated fats (like olive oil, avocados, and whole grain products) that are rich in fiber and vitamins. There is one item that he does not buy at the grocery store, or at least not on a regular basis. He shares the food items he doesn’t buy when he shops, as well as tasty substitutes.
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This is the grocery store food I never buy as a hepatologist
Parade reports that Dr. Lee says, “I personally try to limit sugar-sweetened drinks the most.”
This means he won’t be adding sodas, teas sweetened with sugar, lemonade, and sports drinks. Even though they may be tasty, Dr. Lee worries about how they could affect his health.
He says that sugary drinks can be easily over-consumed, as they contain a lot of calories and sugar without giving you the same satisfaction of solid food. The body doesn’t always compensate liquid calories with less food.
A 20 ounce soda can have around 220 calories, and about 55 grams of sugar. Comparing this to water and a few frozen berries has little sugar added, but a lot of calories. According to the Dietary Guidelines, no added sugar can be considered nutritious. However, they recommend that adults limit their intake of sugar to 10 grams or less per meal. One soda could contain more than 5 times as much sugar, and this is not good for the liver.
Dr. Lee states that “high consumption of sugary drinks has been strongly associated with the development and chronic liver disease.”
The research also suggests that the amount of sugary drinks you drink is linked to weight gain.
Sugar-sweetened drinks are not the only sources of sugar. He says that added sugars can also be found in cereals, sauces, flavored yogurts, and soda.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that you should never drink soda. Moderation is the key.
Dr. Lee says, “Remember that a soda by itself does not cause liver damage.” The problem occurs when soda becomes your main source of water.
Related: This is what happens to your liver when you eat bananas
Other Alternatives to Sugar Sweetened Drinks
Dr. Lee recommends to his patients that they do the same. Instead of buying sugary drinks like sodas or iced-teas, he stocks his pantry with liver-healthy options. He loves:
Water. Quite frankly? “This is a simple and effective way to hydrate yourself every day,” says Dr. Lee. Dr. Lee says that it is free of sugar and unnecessary calories. Add citrus or mint to water if you want it more flavorful or fun.
Iced tea without sugar. Dr. Lee says he likes its flavor and that it is free of sugar, unlike bottled sweetened tea. He explains that the main benefit is replacing sweetened beverages with low-calorie alternatives.
Coffee. Dr. Lee cites strong evidence from observation that drinking black coffee can promote liver health. He says that regular coffee consumption is associated with less severe liver scarring, and a lower risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis. This isn’t proof that coffee prevents liver disease or cures it, just an association. “Avoid the sugar, syrup or sweetened creamer.”
Related: “I am a Hepatologist — This is the first thing I would cut from my diet to protect my liver”
What else should you avoid for liver health?
Dr. Lee does not just stay away from sugary drinks and food at the supermarket. Dr. Lee is also concerned about foods and beverages that allow you to easily consume large amounts of calories, refined carbs and saturated fat without feeling satisfied. We sometimes refer to these foods as “empty calories,” says He.
He says that it is important to avoid foods high in saturated and ultra-processed fats like French fries, packaged sweets, meats processed, or those with very little nutritional value. Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread or rice, and pastries are also easy to consume.
Don’t forget that the liver is responsible for the metabolism of alcohol. Dr. Lee says that the more alcohol you consume, the higher the chances of developing liver disease and injury.
Common supplement that Hepatologists wish people would stop taking so casually
What is the best diet for liver health?
Dr. Lee is one of many who support the Mediterranean Diet.
Dr. Lee says that the diet is more like a “template” than an absolute diet. It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. Fish, olive oil and beans are also included.
Dr. Lee likes the Mediterranean diet because it limits:
Alcohol
Sugars added
Grain refiners
Foods that are processed
Fats saturated
He says that “this template can address excessive liver fat, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance.”
There are also other diets that promote a healthy liver. For example, DASH is similar to the Mediterranean Diet, but it emphasizes lowering sodium consumption. It is important to not split hairs.
The honest conclusion, Dr. Lee says, is that the most effective ‘diet is’ a collection of high-quality foods with minimal processing that can be sustained over time. This is far more important than arguing over small differences in otherwise healthy diets.
The Next Step:
This is what happens to your liver when you eat garlic regularly
Sources:
Dr. Brian T. Lee is a transplant liver specialist at Hoag
Count Sugars Added. FDA.
Take Sugar Smartly. CDC.
JAMA. JAMA.
CARDIA Study: Sugar intake over 30 years is linked to weight gain and obesity risk. The CARDIA study: Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases.
The UK Biobank provides evidence that coffee consumption improves liver outcomes. Clinical Gastroenterology & Hepatology.

BALTIMORE
Maryland Department of Health declares an outbreak of the measles within three counties.
Health officials in Maryland declared an outbreak of unvaccinated residents in Carroll, Cecil, and St. Mary’s Counties, along with identifying 14 new cases. These cases have not been associated with any public exposure.
Health officials in the state said that there was no evidence at this time of widespread transmission within the community, as most cases were among family contacts.
MDH works with county health departments in order to increase the number of vaccinations.
Maryland has had 31 measles confirmed cases as of Monday. Since July 15, 27 have occurred in residents who are not vaccinated. There are 13 cases in St. Mary’s County; eight in Carroll County; five in Cecil County; and one in Charles County.
Before July 15, four cases were confirmed in Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Prince George’s counties.
Maryland’s Health Secretary, Dr. Meena Seshamani, said that measles was highly contagious. We are working actively with local health departments and healthcare professionals to help affected communities and respond to any cases. The overall risk is low for those who are completely vaccinated. Marylanders are asked to join our efforts in protecting those most vulnerable and keeping our children safe. The easiest and most efficient way to achieve this is by checking your vaccination status, and getting immunized if necessary.
Watch video below to learn more about the measles outbreak in Maryland.
You may be exposed. What to do if you think that you have been exposed?
It may take three weeks before symptoms appear.
MDH stated that if someone has not been protected against measles they have a 90 percent chance of becoming infected.
MDH LINK: Measles fact sheet
Are you measles-vaccinated? You are considered to be protected if you received at least two doses of measles vaccine or if you were born prior 1957. My Immunization Records (MyIR) allows you to check your immunization record securely and online.
MDH strongly recommends that all people who are eligible get vaccinated fully against measles. Measles vaccination is recommended for children aged 12-15 months and 4-6 years. Sometimes, a measles vaccine is administered as soon as 6-12 months old if a travel destination with ongoing transmission of the disease is planned.
Watch for symptoms. People who have not been fully immunized or are otherwise immune against measles should be on the lookout for symptoms within 21 days of the exposure.
Are you not fully immune or vaccinated? You may have been exposed to measles if you’re not immune or fully vaccinated against it (or if you had the measles before). Call your doctor or local health department for advice on what to do next. You may be eligible for treatment if your exposure happened on or after 14 April 2026.
What are the early symptoms of measles? Measles is characterized by a high fever (above 101 degrees Fahrenheit), a runny or watery nose, a cough and red eyes. A red rash usually appears one to four day after early symptoms and then spreads throughout the body. The symptoms usually appear 10-14 days after the exposure, but they can also develop seven days or even 21 days later. Contagious measles can be spread from four days prior to the appearance of the rash until four days following the start of the rash.
Contact your doctor: Individuals who are exposed to measles and develop symptoms such as a high fever should avoid going out, attending school or work or being in the public. They should also contact their physician. Call their doctor before visiting an emergency room, waiting area or child care facility. This will allow the staff to take steps to stop measles spreading.

BOSTON
Massachusetts Health officials announced Monday that the second case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts this year has been confirmed.
A man in his sixties was diagnosed as the new patient. He was infected in Middlesex County. This announcement follows last week’s news about a 90-year-old man who contracted the disease in Middlesex County.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health cited these cases as well as the finding of the virus from mosquito samples to say that the risk for the virus is elevated in Boston, Brookline Cambridge, Everett Newton Somerville and Watertown.
In a recent statement, Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein stated that we are in the peak mosquito season of WNV. The risk is very high for people in Massachusetts. “Those with compromised immune systems or older people are at greater risk.” “I want to remind you to keep using repellent and to cover yourself with clothing when it is warm enough. Also, move indoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes bite. Empty any water that might be outside of your house.”
DPH reports 184 positive mosquito specimens for WNV this year, from Barnstable County, Berkshire County, Bristol County, Essex, Franklin county, Hampden county, Middlesex counties, Hampshire, Norfolk, Plymouth and Suffolk counties.
Massachusetts health officials urge residents to use insect repellent outdoors and to be mindful of mosquito peak hours. They also recommend draining standing water in order to prevent mosquito bites.
West Nile can affect people of any age, but people older than 50 years are more at risk of severe illness. About 80% of people who are bitten by an infected mosquito do not experience any symptoms. However, about 20% may experience fever, headaches, body aches and nausea.
A rash may appear on the back, chest and stomach.
Biting insects will continue to be around until first frost.

The Takeaway
A Louisiana girl, aged eight years old, died from a brain eating amoeba.
Naegleria Fowleri was diagnosed in a young girl.
Nearly all who contract this infection will die.
BATON ROUGE (Louisiana) – A tragedy has occurred in Louisiana, where an eight-year-old boy has died after contracting what is suspected to be a brain-eating amoeba.
Louisiana Department of Health officials are warning residents to stay away from Henderson Lake where there has been a blue-green algal bloom.
Initial reports on Wednesday stated that a victim who was not identified had been hospitalized at Ruston with Naegleria Fowleri.
OFFICIALS warn visitors of health risks after detecting toxic algae at Colorado’s largest reserve
Families of the young girl claim that 8-year old Lillian Smart sustained brain injuries too serious for her to fully recover.
The family stated in a Facebook group entitled “Love for Lillian” that everyone did their best to keep Lillian alive. Our hearts are broken and we honestly don’t know what to next. “How can we move forward without her?”
Our foundation remains in Jesus. Although we didn’t keep her, miracles happened on behalf of our daughter. We know God is good. “He will give strength to us when there is none left”, the group wrote in a post on Facebook.
According to the CDC, it’s a free-living amoeba which thrives in freshwater rivers, lakes and hot springs.
Study Finds Flesh-Eating Bacteria, Harmful Algal Blooms in Long Island Waters as Quality Worsens
“If water containing the amoeba goes up the nose and to the brain, it can cause an infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis,” the CDC warned.
Nearly all who contract this disease die.
HIDDEN HAZARD – HOW TO STAY AWAY FROM HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS THIS SEASON
Satellite imagery was used by health officials to identify and confirm the presence of Cyanobacteria.
Many people believe that algae is harmless. However, certain types of cyanobacteria produce toxic substances which can harm humans and animals.
The health department stated that “Because of the rapid movement and changes in algal blooms, LDH advises to avoid areas where one is suspected or visible.” You cannot determine if a bloom produces toxins by simply looking at it.
It is easy to confuse these water bodies with safe swimming areas.
A STUDY FINDING: STUDY RESULTS BRAIN-EATING AMOEBA DELIVERED IN THE WATER OF ICONIC NATIONAL US PARKS.
CHILD DIED FROM SUSPECTED BRAIN-EATING AMOEBA AFTER SWIMMING NEBRASKA RIVER
How to react if you smell or see an algal bloom