6 More Mumps Cases on O‘ahu, One More on Kaua‘i

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health today confirmed six additional cases of Oʻahu residents with mumps and one additional case of a resident on Kauaʻi, bringing the total number of cases in 2017 to 65.

The recently confirmed cases include children and adults whose infection is linked to other cases on Oʻahu. None of the individuals required hospitalization.

The department expects to see more cases of mumps in Hawaiʻi as the viral disease is highly contagious and circulating on Oahu. Information on case numbers is updated regularly online.

Mumps is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus is also spread by sharing items such as cups or eating utensils, or by touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.

The Health Department advises the public of ways to prevent the spread of mumps by:

· Ensuring your family is fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. High vaccination coverage helps to limit the spread of mumps. Two doses of the vaccine are 88% effective at protecting against mumps and one dose is 78% effective. Being fully vaccinated can help protect loved ones, family members, friends, classmates and coworkers.

· Patients suspected or diagnosed with mumps should self-isolate and avoid going out and exposing others for nine days after onset of parotitis (tender, swollen jaw).

· People who have been exposed to mumps and are not vaccinated should not attend school, work or travel from day 12 through day 25 after exposure.

MMR vaccine is available at local pharmacies across the state. Click HERE locate a vaccinating pharmacy in your community, or call the Aloha United Way information and referral line at 2-1-1