Mumps Outbreaks in Delaware and Pennsylvania Expand

Health officials in Delaware and Pennsylvania continue to report additional mumps cases related to social dances at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, in Wilmington.

As previously reported, these dances took place on Feb. 10 and March 3, 2018.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has identified 4 additional mumps cases, bringing the total number of reported cases to 19.

Since 2005, this is the first time that 3+ mumps cases have been recorded during any calendar year by DPH.

DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay said, “The best protection against mumps is to make sure you and everyone in your home are up to date on their mumps vaccinations.”

“Since everyone needs at least two vaccinations, and sometimes even three, knowing your vaccine schedule is vital.”

In southeastern Pennsylvania, Montgomery County’s public health say 3 mumps cases were part of that outbreak, and Chester County reported 19 cases, reported CBS.

Two doses of the mumps vaccine are 88 percent, while 1 dose is just 78 percent effective, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

And, a third dose may be recommended to extend the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Since the pre-vaccine era in 1967, there has been a more than 99 percent decrease in mumps cases in the United States.

Nationwide, from January 1 to March 30, 2018, 39 US states and the District of Columbia have reported 633 mumps infections to the CDC.

A major factor contributing to mumps outbreaks is being in a crowded environment, such as attending the same class, playing on the same sports team, or living in a dormitory with a person who has mumps.

Also, certain behaviors that result in exchanging saliva, such as kissing or sharing utensils, cups, lip balm or cigarettes, might increase the spread of the virus.

Mumps is a viral illness caused by a paramyxovirus, a member of the Rubulavirus family.

Mumps symptoms typically start with a few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite, followed by swollen salivary glands, which results in puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw.

Symptoms typically appear 16 to 18 days after infection but can range from 12 to 25 days after infection. Some people with mumps may not have any symptoms, according to the CDC.

The MMR-II and ProQuad vaccines both contain the protection for mumps, as well as protection against measles and rubella. ProQuad offers additional protection against varicella.

Most pharmacies offer MMR and ProQuad vaccination services.

The CDC Vaccine Price List provides private sector vaccine prices for general information.

Vaccine discounts can be found here.

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects, says the CDC. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the FDA or CDC.