DOH Confirms 14 New Cases of Mumps

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed 14 new cases of mumps infection, including Hawai’i Islandʻs first confirmed case of the year. Eleven cases are on O‘ahu and two are on Kauai, raising the total number of confirmed cases this year to 133.

None of the cases required hospitalization and all affected persons are recovering. DOH officials are investigating the new cases and expect the mumps virus to continue circulating throughout the state.

To prevent further infection, DOH urges anyone who is suspected or diagnosed with mumps to stay home and avoid exposure to others. Mumps is a highly-contagious, airborne virus, and can spread through coughing, sneezing and sharing cups and utensils. Symptoms include swollen or tender salivary glands, fever, tiredness and muscle aches.

“We continue to see people with mumps being mobile in the community well after the onset of the illness and before they have been diagnosed,” said Dr. Park. “This increases the risk for introduction of the disease on other islands and areas of our state as well as continued spread on O‘ahu.”

According to law, a person infected with mumps may not attend school, work or travel for nine days after their salivary glands begin to swell.

Persons experiencing the symptoms of this virus are urged to contact their healthcare provider immediately. To prevent infection, the public is also urged to review their immunization records and ensure they are fully vaccinated.

It is recommended that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. The first dose is administered at age 12 to 15 months, and the second dose usually at 4 to 6 years of age. However, due to the mumps outbreak in Hawai‘i, it is recommended that children between 1 to 4 years of age receive their second dose–a minimum of 4 weeks after their first shot.

All adults born in or after 1957, without evidence of immunity to mumps and who cannot verify previous MMR vaccination, should receive one MMR dose. Individuals with only one documented MMR dose are strongly encouraged to consider receiving a second MMR dose.

To locate a vaccinating pharmacy nearest you, visit http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/vaccinesimmunizations/vaccine-locators/ or call the Aloha United Way information and referral line at 2-1-1.

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