7 More Mumps Cases Confirmed: Total 96

The Hawaii State Department of Health has confirmed seven additional cases of mumps on O‘ahu this week, bringing the total number in 2017 to 96.

One case was confirmed on Tuesday, June 6, and involved an adult who did not require hospitalization and is recovering. The additional six cases confirmed today involve four adults and two children, none of whom required hospitalization.

The DOH expects to see more cases of mumps as the highly-contagious viral disease continues to circulate on O‘ahu. The classic mumps symptom of parotitis often results in a tender, swollen jaw. While some people with mumps have very mild or no symptoms, others suffer from fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite.

The disease is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The disease can also be spread by sharing items, such as cups or eating utensils, or by touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth.

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, and prevents most cases of mumps. Two doses of the vaccine are 88% effective at protecting against mumps and one dose is 78% effective. Being fully vaccinated can help protect loved ones, family members, friends, classmates and coworkers.

State epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park reminds those who are sick to stay home and that the MMR vaccine provides the best protection against the disease.

“All adults born in or after 1957 without evidence of immunity to mumps and those with no documented MMR doses, should get vaccinated now,” she said. “Individuals with only one documented MMR dose are strongly encouraged to consider receiving a second dose.”
Self-reported doses of the MMR vaccine without written documentation should not be accepted as valid. Although not ideal, receiving extra doses of the vaccine poses no medical problems.

The MMR vaccine is available at local pharmacies across the state. To locate a vaccinating pharmacy in your community, go online or call the Aloha United Way information and referral line at 2-1-1.

Additional information about mumps and the ongoing investigation can be found on the DOH website.