Number of Iowa mumps cases rises to 13

The number of mumps cases diagnosed in Iowa has risen to 13.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, five cases have been identified in northwestern Iowa, in addition to the eight cases reported in early May.

Here is more from the state health department:

“Because mumps appears to be continuing to spread, it's important for all Iowans and particularly those in northwest Iowa, to be aware of the symptoms of mumps and how to prevent its spread,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk.

The department recommends that everyone have two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) unless they know they had mumps in the past (most people born before 1957 had mumps as children). Mumps is spread through the air and by droplets of saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat of an infected person, usually when the person coughs, sneezes or talks. The virus can be spread through shared use of drinks or cups. In addition, the virus may spread when someone with mumps touches an item or surface without washing their hands and someone else touches the same surface and rubs their mouth or nose. If you were exposed to mumps, you could become ill 12 to 25 days later.

Symptoms of mumps include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears or jaw on one or both sides of the face

If you develop these symptoms, stay home. Do not go to work or school until five days after symptoms have started, or until symptoms go away – whichever is later. Contact your health care provider before seeking medical care so as not to expose others to mumps in the waiting room.

For more information about mumps, visit

www.idph.state.ia.us/adper/mumps.asp or

www.cdc.gov/mumps/index.html