HEALTH ALERT: Multiple cases of mumps reported in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) has received reports of four confirmed cases of mumps infection in city residents, including area college students, and is working closely with university health centers and medical providers to monitor cases and reduce transmission in the community over the coming weeks.
"We're seeing mumps circulate nationwide. We're seeing it circulate in the state," Paul Biedrzycki, the city of Milwaukee's Director of Disease Control and Environmental Health said.
Mumps is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the mumps virus.
It is spread by airborne droplets and contact with saliva or mucus from infected persons.
Mumps can be transmitted through coughing and sneezing as well as sharing food or beverage items and utensils with infected individuals.
Symptoms of mumps include fever, body aches, headaches, and swelling of the salivary glands near the ears and jaw. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should contact his/her health care provider for diagnosis and testing.
The MHD recommends that persons experiencing symptoms consistent with mumps infection, especially swelling of one or both salivary glands, stay home from work or school for a minimum of five days after the onset of swelling.
Individuals are also advised to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing and wash hands frequently with soap and water.
While most individuals recover fully, mumps infection can occasionally cause serious complications in adults that can include inflammation of the testicles in men or ovaries and breasts in women, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), and temporary or permanent deafness.
Vaccination with two doses of Mumps-Measles-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent mumps infection.
Two of the four cases of mumps in Milwaukee have affected students at UW-Milwaukee.
"Individuals are coming in with viral symptoms -- general viral symptoms and they generally have swelling or concerns of swelling on one side of their face," Julie Bonner, the director of UWM's Norris Health Center said.
Bonner says mumps is confirmed in two UWM students -- and suspected in a third.
"We will see over the course of the next day or two as we raise awareness if we have more individuals with those specific symptoms coming into the Health Center," Bonner said.
Public health officials advise individuals to be aware of their vaccination status, and seek advice from a health care provider if your vaccinations are not up to date.
"The vaccine is still the most highly-preventative method of controlling mumps infection or outbreaks in the community," Biedrzycki said.
For more information, visit www.milwaukee.gov/health or www.cdc.gov/mumps.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also provides extensive information for those who want to learn more about mumps. It includes the following: