Mumps Outbreak Moves Closer To Sumner

SUMNER, WA - A mumps outbreak that began in Auburn in King County has moved into Pierce County, officials said Monday. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department said there are 9 cases in the county - one confirmed, eight probable.

Officials won't say exactly where the mumps cases in Pierce County are located, but they told Patch.com that they are near the portion of Auburn that dips into Pierce County. Last week, King County health officials reported a mumps case in Pacific, which is partially located in both counties.

At last count, there were upward of 40 confirmed and probable cases of mumps in King County.

Pierce health officials say that 33 percent of the cases are in children under age 17, and 75 percent of the patients have had a mumps vaccine. The mumps vaccine is considered 88 percent effective at preventing the virus. Health officials advise that getting vaccinated is the best defense against mumps.

People who have had the vaccine are at higher risk of contracting mumps, however, if they are in prolonged contact with a carrier, health officials say.

Mumps causes flu-like symptoms, but a hallmark of the virus is that it causes swelling in the head and neck. In severe cases, it can lead to potentially fatal encephalitis and viral meningitis.

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