Local Mumps Outbreak now Community-Wide
COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH and
FRANKLIN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH – Press Release
FOR MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2013 Contact: Jose Rodriguez (614) 645-6928
[email protected] Mitzi Kline (614) 525-3028
[email protected]Local Mumps Outbreak now Community-Wide
Health Commissioners Urge at Risk Residents to Get Up-to-Date on Vaccines
Columbus Public Health (CPH) continues to investigate a growing number of mumps cases in our community, and is encouraging individuals at highest risk of mumps – those who have not received any doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and those who have received only 1 dose of MMR – to get vaccinated. To protect yourself and your loved ones from mumps make sure you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine.
First declared as an outbreak at The Ohio State University, the number of infected individuals has now spread outside of the university’s student body. As of Friday, March 21, 56 mumps cases have been reported in Franklin County. To date, 40 cases have been linked to the university outbreak. The university cases have occurred in men and women between the ages of 18 and 48, while the community cases have occurred in residents of Columbus and Franklin County between the ages of 4 and 50.
“During a community outbreak, protection against mumps is critical to our good health, our family’s health, and our community’s health,” said Dr. Teresa C. Long, Columbus Public Health Commissioner. “Mumps can lead to serious complications in people who are not vaccinated, especially adults. If you have not been vaccinated against the mumps, or do not remember if you have received the protective vaccine, get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
Children should receive the MMR vaccine on or after their first birthday, followed by a second dose at 4 to 6 years of age.
Residents can contact their primary care provider, local community health center, public health department or student health center if at a university setting for vaccine availability.
About Mumps
Mumps is spread by droplets of saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose or throat of an infected person, usually when the person coughs, sneezes or talks. Items used by an infected person, such as cups or soft drink cans, can also be contaminated with the virus, which may spread to others if those items are shared.
Most mumps transmissions likely occur before the salivary glands begin to swell and within five days after the swelling begins. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends isolating mumps patients for five days after their glands begin to swell.
Among males, mumps can lead to orchitis, a testicular inflammation that causes pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting and fever. Among some women with mumps, inflammation of the ovaries or breasts can occur. Up to 15 percent of people with mumps also may suffer headaches and stiff necks.
Anyone who experiences these symptoms should contact their health care professional immediately.
What to Do if You Become Infected with Mumps:
1. Stay at home for five days after symptoms begin.
2. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
3. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
More information about mumps is available from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/mumps/index.html.
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