Outbreak of Mumps in the Midwest
Iowa has been experiencing a large outbreak of mumps that began in December 2005. By April 2006, over 1,000 cases of mumps have been reported. The majority of cases are among those 18-25 years of age, many of whom are vaccinated.
Is your child at risk for mumps?
Because of the outbreak in Iowa and other reported cases in the Midwest, many parents worry about their children catching mumps. Should you be concerned?
With the potential for further spread of mumps, public health officials across the country are on a high level of alert. In Cincinnati, public health officials are increasing surveillance for mumps and asking for help from primary care physicians in identifying and reporting suspected cases.
What are the symptoms for mumps?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite, followed by swelling of the salivary glands. The parotid salivary glands (which are located within your cheek, near your jaw line, below your ears) are most frequently affected.
What if my child has mumps?
If your physician suspects that your child has mumps, a blood test to check for mumps IgG and mumps IgM may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. A sample of saliva from inside the cheek may also be obtained to test for the mumps virus.
Local public health officials will exclude children with suspected mumps from school for nine days after the onset of symptoms to minimize the risk of exposing other children.
How effective is the mumps vaccine?
Data from outbreak investigations have shown that the effectiveness of MMR against mumps is approximately 80% after one dose and approximately 90% after two doses.
How can you best protect your child from getting mumps?
The best way to prevent mumps is to get a mumps vaccine (usually an MMR). The MMR vaccine is a part of the usual vaccines given to children at 12-15 months of age and again at 4-6 years of age (or 11-12 years of age).
You and your family should:
- Wash hands well and often with soap
- NOT share eating utensils
- Make sure to clean toys, tables and counters regularly with soap and water or cleaning wipes
Written May 2006
