Case Of Mumps Confirmed In Montgomery County Child

NORRISTOWN, PA — The Montgomery County Department of Health has confirmed that an eight-year-old child has contracted the highly contagious mumps virus.

An outbreak of the virus was first reported in Montgomery and Chester counties at the start of the month, but no cases had been confirmed in children.

The child contracted the virus despite being up to date on vaccines for mumps, measles, and rubella, health officials said. The main symptom was swelling of the salivary gland.

The cases have been traced back to a social dance event - a "Baile Mejicano" or "Mexican Dance" - that occurred at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware on Feb. 10, according to the Montgomery County Health Department.

The patient is now being treated at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

>>Mumps Outbreak Confirmed In Montgomery County

Cases of mumps have increased both nationally and locally in recent years and can usually be traced to large social gatherings, officials said.

In 2016, there were 6,366 cases of mumps in the United States, as compared to only 228 in 2012. In Montgomery County, there were no cases in 2013, while 12 cases were reported from 2014 to 2017.

The mumps virus can be spread within three to six feet when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the incubation period can range from 12 to 25 days, according to health officials. The virus causes a swelling of salivary glands in the face, and can cause other side effects, such as sterility in men and, in rare cases, hearing loss.

A vaccine for mumps is available at doctor's offices, healthcare centers, and other immunization providers.

Patch file photo