CDC issues a Nationwide Mumps Outbreak Warning.

by Angie Warner, WHNP

 

There are typically a few hundred to a few thousand outbreaks nationwide per year but so far there are 1,242 cases since January 1, 2017 with Missouri and Arkansas showing the most cases.

Symptoms of Mumps may include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides.

These symptoms closely resemble that of many other viruses and should be evaluated, especially if your salivary glands are enlarged.

Mumps is spread by coming in contact with an infected person’s saliva via cough, sneeze, sharing drinking glasses or utensils or any other form of direct contact with saliva.

If you are experiencing these symptoms we encourage you to call our office for further advice.  We prefer patients presenting with these symptoms not come to our office for evaluation as we have many pregnant women that need not be exposed.

For further information see the CDC.gov website.
Always remember that good handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of germs.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cancer Prevention and Control: Mumps; http://www.cdc.gov/mumps./ Accessed March 16, 2016.

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