Multistate mumps outbreak sickens 151 in 30 states
In a separate outbreak, Temple University confirmed on March 21 that 15 students tested positive for mumps and an additional 59 are probable cases. All but three are in Philadelphia.
“Mumps has been making headlines around the U.S. recently, with outbreaks identified in settings such as universities and detention facilities,” the Iowa Department of Public Health reported on March 22. “Several mumps cases are reported each year in Iowa. Although there has been no recent increase in mumps cases in Iowa, health care providers should always remain vigilant. Just two years ago Iowa experienced a large statewide mumps outbreak, with hundreds of reported cases primarily linked to universities.”
The Iowa outbreak that began in 2015 and continued into 2017 sickened more than 1,200 people in the state. In the 2006 nationwide outbreak, mumps was confirmed in more than 6,500 patients, including nearly 2,000 in Iowa. IDPH reports 27 confirmed Iowa cases in 2018.
“Even though the vaccine has drastically reduced mumps cases, outbreaks still occur,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on its website. “Outbreaks have most commonly occurred among groups of people who have prolonged, close contact, such as sharing water bottles or cups, kissing, practicing sports together, or living in close quarters, with a person who has mumps.”
Mumps symptoms include puffy cheeks, swollen jaw, fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite. Some people only have mild symptoms or no symptoms. Mumps may cause complications – especially in adults – such as meningitis, encephalitis, pancreatitis and other serious conditions.
