14 More Mumps Cases Confirmed; Big Island Reports its 1st Case for 2017

The Big Island of Hawaiʻi has recorded its first confirmed residential mumps case of the year.  The case is among 14 new cases confirmed in the state amid an ongoing outbreak occurring on Oʻahu.

Today, the state Department of Health also confirmed new cases on Oʻahu and two new cases on Kauaʻi, bringing the statewide total of cases this year to 133.

Hawaiʻi Department of Health logo.

The new cases involved eight adults and none of the cases required hospitalization. DOH officials are investigating the new cases and expect the mumps virus to continue circulating across the state.

Health officials urge those who are suspected or diagnosed with mumps to stay at home to avoid exposing others. According to Hawaiʻi State Law, a person with mumps may not attend school, work or travel for nine days after the start of swollen salivary glands.

“We continue to see people with mumps being mobile in the community well after the onset of the illness and before they have been diagnosed,” said Dr. Park. “This increases the risk for introduction of the disease on other islands and areas of our state as well as continued spread on Oʻahu.”

Mumps is highly-contagious and is spread through coughing, sneezing and sharing cups and utensils. Symptoms include swollen or tender salivary glands, fever, tiredness and muscle aches.

To prevent the spread of mumps in our community, persons exhibiting symptoms of the disease should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Additionally, everyone is asked to review their immunization records to ensure they are fully vaccinated.

Health department officials say all children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine which protects against three diseases: measles, mumps and rubella. The first dose is given at age 12–15 months and the second dose routinely at 4–6 years of age. However, due to the continued circulation of mumps in Hawaiʻi, health officials recommend that children between 1–4 years of age receive their second dose now (a minimum of four weeks after the first dose).

All adults born in or after 1957, without evidence of immunity to mumps and who cannot verify previous MMR vaccination, should receive one MMR dose.  Individuals with only one documented MMR dose are strongly encouraged to consider receiving a second MMR vaccine dose, health officials advise.

To locate a vaccinating pharmacy nearest you, visit http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/vaccinesimmunizations/vaccine-locators/ or call the Aloha United Way information and referral line at 2-1-1.

More information about mumps and the ongoing investigation can be found on the DOH website.