Mumps Outbreak!

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http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/living/health/14249951.htm

Iowa'spuzzling mumps outbreak is nation's largest in 17 years
ASSOCIATED PRESS
DES MOINES, Iowa - A mumps epidemic is sweeping across Iowa in the nation's biggest outbreak in at least 17 years, baffling health officials.

As of Thursday, 245 confirmed, probable or suspected cases of mumps had been reported to the Iowa Department of Public Health since mid-January.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it is the nation's only outbreak, which the CDC defines as five or more cases in a concentrated area.

The CDC has identified the strain in Iowa as the same one that has caused tens of thousands of cases of the mumps in Britain over the last two years, said Iowa state epidemiologist Dr. Patricia Quinlisk.

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http://nbc15.madison.com/news/headlines/2563131.html

Mumps Cases Discovered In Wisconsin


County health officials in Grant county say two adults have contracted mumps.
They won't say how old the adults are, but say they are not elderly.
Wisconsin had 12 confirmed cases of the mumps last year.
But this is the first time Grant County has seen cases in several years.
Health officials in Iowa have reported almost 250 mumps cases.
They say the breakout started in Eastern Iowa and is moving West.
Jeff Kindrai of the Grant County health department won't say how the adults may have contracted the virus, only that they're being treated.
"They've both been followed up on by the health department. They are in isolation probably until the early part of next week or until their symptoms subside."
Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska have also reported one or two suspected mumps cases.
Mumps is an infection of the salivary glands. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle soreness, and swollen glands close to the jaw.
People born before 1957 are thought to have been exposed to it as a child and should be immune.
Kids usually get vaccinated at 10-12 months, and again at 4-6 years.
If you're experiencing some of the symptoms or want the vaccine, contact your physician or your local health department.

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http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/03/31/ap/health/mainD8GM958G8.shtml
Iowa Mumps Outbreak Hops State Line to Neb.

LINCOLN, Neb., Mar. 31, 2006
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(AP) Several cases of mumps have been confirmed in Adams County in south-central Nebraska, the Nebraska Health and Human Services System said Thursday.

Potential cases in Jefferson and Hamilton counties were also being investigated.

Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection of the salivary glands. It's spread through coughing or sneezing or through direct contact with saliva or mucus.

Health experts say mumps can lead to deafness, meningitis, a swelling of the testicles or ovaries and, rarely, death.

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http://www.kctv5.com/Global/story.asp?S=4709531

Six Probable Mumps Cases Reported in Douglas County

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Six probable cases of mumps have been reported in Douglas County in the past week and a half.

The individuals range from 19 to 26 years of age, according to a news release from the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department.

According to the news release:

"Mumps is an acute viral disease that results in swelling and discomfort of the jaw. Fever and headache are sometimes also present. Mumps is spread through direct contact, such as coughing or sneezing.
An individual can be contagious seven days before swelling to nine days after. If a person suspects they have mumps, they should stay home from work or school and limit close contact with others for nine days after onset of symptoms.
Mumps should be considered in someone with symptoms, even if they have been vaccinated. Individuals with swelling in the jaw area for two or more days without other apparent cause should see their health care provider immediately."
According to the Health Department, "the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is receiving an increased number of suspected mumps reports," the new release stated.

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http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/immunization/MMR.htm

What is mumps?

It is a disease caused by a virus. A virus is a kind of germ that can make people sick.
Mumps is most common in children, although sometimes adults get it, too.
Mumps causes fever, headache and swelling of the saliva glands (inside the mouth). This swelling is painful and makes the cheeks puff out.
Sometimes, mumps can cause meningitis, a serious disease that infects the fluid around the brain and spinal cord.
Mumps can cause deafness.
In adults, mumps can affect a woman's eggs or a man's sperm. A man who gets mumps may become sterile (not be able to have children). For both men and women, mumps can be very painful.

[Brandli5]

I hope all those shots I had when I was younger keeps us from getting them.