O‘ahu Mumps Cases Total Reaches 81 After 16 More Confirmed

The state Department of Health has confirmed 16 additional cases of O‘ahu residents with mumps, bringing the total number of cases in 2017 to 81.

The recently confirmed cases include children and adults. Most of the cases are linked to previously confirmed illnesses. None of the individuals required hospitalization and all have recovered or are recovering.

The number of cases continues to steadily increase as today’s number represents test results received over the extended holiday weekend. The department expects to see more cases of mumps in Hawai‘i; the viral disease is highly contagious and circulating on O‘ahu.

Information on case numbers is updated regularly online.

The DOH is recommending that all adults born in or after 1957, without evidence of immunity to mumps, who cannot verify previous MMR vaccination, should receive at least one MMR vaccine dose. Individuals with only one documented MMR dose, are strongly encouraged to consider receiving a second MMR vaccine dose.

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.

Mumps is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus is also 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.

Prevent the spread of mumps by:

• Ensuring your family is fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. High vaccination coverage helps to limit the spread of mumps. Two doses of the vaccine are 88 percent effective at protecting against mumps and one dose is 78 percent effective. Being fully vaccinated can help protect loved ones, family members, friends, classmates and coworkers.
• Patients suspected or diagnosed with mumps should self-isolate and avoid going out and exposing others for nine days after onset of parotitis (tender, swollen jaw).
• People who have been exposed to mumps and are not vaccinated should not attend school, work or travel from day 12 through day 25 after exposure.

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