Numbers of Mumps Cases Increase
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2015
Contact
Awais Vaid, Epidemiologist
(217) 531-5360
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Numbers of Mumps Cases Increase
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Identifies Mumps Cases
Champaign, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) have identified 23 cases of mumps in a local outbreak. Mumps is a contagious, vaccine-preventable, acute viral illness that is spread through droplets of saliva or through mucus of an infected person.
According to IDPH, symptoms of mumps usually appear 14 days to 18 days after infection. They usually include fever, headache, tiredness, muscle aches, loss of appetite and swelling and tenderness of one or more of the salivary glands, usually the parotid gland (located just below the front of the ear at the angle of the jaw). In mild cases, the swelling may only last for three to four days, but can last up to a week or more. Approximately one-third of infected people do not exhibit symptoms. There is no specific treatment for mumps, but there are treatments that can help relieve some symptoms. Persons with symptoms of mumps should contact their primary care physician. Persons that become very ill should seek medical attention.
Mumps vaccine is the best way to prevent mumps. This vaccine is included in the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccines. Children should receive the first dose of mumps-containing vaccine at 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years. All adults born during or after 1957 should have documentation of one dose. Adults at higher risk, such as university students, health care personnel, international travelers and persons with potential mumps outbreak exposure should have documentation of two doses of mumps vaccine or other proof of immunity to mumps.
Simple measures can be carried out to prevent the spread of mumps. Persons who are ill should remain home for five days after onset of salivary gland swelling to help contain the spread of the virus. In addition, make sure to wash your hands, don’t share eating or drinking utensils, clean surfaces that are frequently touched and cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve. Do not cough or sneeze into your hand.
For more information, please contact CUPHD at (217) 352-7961.
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