Local Mumps Outbreak Grows To 9 Cases

SEATTLE, WA - King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin said Wednesday morning that there are now 9 cases of mumps in the county centered around the Auburn area.

In addition to the confirmed or probable cases, the county is investigating five other cases as possible mumps. King County announced the emerging outbreak on Tuesday saying that there were three confirmed cases.

Duchin described this current outbreak as a "blip." In a typical year, there are between zero and seven cases total in King County. All but one of the people infected this year with mumps is under age 18.

Duchin stressed the importance of getting the mumps vaccine, which he said is 88 percent effective in preventing the virus. People with mumps will often experience swelling of the face and neck, as well as flu-like symptoms.

"Mumps can be quite uncomfortable," Duchin said.

Mumps usually does not require hospitalization, but in severe cases it can lead to viral meningitis or encephalitis.

Aside from getting vaccinated, local residents should practice good respiratory hygiene, Duchin said. That includes covering your cough or sneeze (but not using your hand), and staying home if you feel sick. In addition to mumps, it's also flu and cold season.

"Avoid spreading your misery to others," Duchin said.

Outside of King County, there are a number of mumps outbreaks across the U.S. According to news reports, mumps is raging from Marion County in Oregon to the SUNY Geneseo college in Upstate New York.

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