The Iowa Department of Public Health announced on April 23 that Iowans who recently visited two restaurants in the Des Moines area may have been exposed to a confirmed case of measles.

IDPH was notified by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services that a person with a confirmed case of measles visited the Hardees at 3621 Merle Hay Road in Des Moines on Friday, April 13, with exposure times of 8:15 to 11:45 a.m., and Panera Bread on 2310 Southeast Delaware Ave. in Ankeny, Iowa, with exposure times of noon to 4 p.m.

There are no known cases of measles in Iowa. The last confirmed case in Iowa occurred in 2011.

Measles is highly contagious, and can cause ear infections, permanent hearing loss, pneumonia, encephalitis and other serious complications. It is spread by coughing and sneezing.

“If you were at the places during the times listed above, it is too late to receive preventive measures,” IDPH reported on its website. “Therefore, if you have any symptoms consistent with measles (fever, cough, red/pink eyes, runny nose and/or a rash), call your health care provider immediately, and arrange to be seen safely.

“Do not go to the doctor’s office, ER, local public health agency or a walk-in clinic until arrangements are made to be seen by your health care provider in a place and manner that will not potentially expose others to measles. Until arrangements are made, stay home; do not go into any public places.”

For measles exposure consultations and questions, call the IDPH Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology at (515) 242-5935.