Five Additional Mumps Cases Confirmed, 47 in Hawai‘i

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health today confirmed five additional cases of Oʻahu residents with mumps bringing the total number of cases in 2017 to 47.

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

The department expects to see more cases of mumps in Hawaiʻi as the viral disease is highly contagious and circulating on Oʻahu.

The classic mumps symptom of parotitis often results in a tender, swollen jaw. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Some people with mumps have very mild or no symptoms.

The disease is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The disease can also be 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 MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, and prevents most cases of mumps. State health officials say two doses of the vaccine are 88% effective at protecting against mumps and one dose is 78% effective.

MMR vaccine is available at local pharmacies across the state. To locate a vaccinating pharmacy in your community, visit the State Department of Health online or call the Aloha United Way information and referral line at 2-1-1.