Case of mumps confirmed in county

The Clark County Health Department (CCHD) has received notification of a confirmed case of mumps in Clark County, per a Jan. 6 press release.

Mumps is a contagious disease that is caused by the mumps virus. It causes the glands in and around your mouth that produce saliva (salivary glands) to swell. This swelling can lead to painful, puffy cheeks, and swelling in the jaw and under the ears. In severe cases, there can be swelling/inflammation of the testicles, ovaries, pancreas, brain, and spinal cord, along with hearing loss.

Mumps is easily spread (contagious) from person to person. It can spread through direct contact of droplets in the air. An infected person can spread droplets when they talk, cough, sneeze, or share cups or dishes with other people.

Symptoms usually start with fever, headaches, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. After a few days, the glands in and around one’s mouth may swell. This swelling can lead to painful, puffy cheeks and neck. Some individuals may have trouble swallowing.

Individuals who have mumps can spread the disease to others two days before symptoms start, and up to five days afterwards. Some individuals may not show symptoms, but still can spread mumps to others.

“If you, or someone you know, has symptoms of mumps, contact your healthcare provider (especially those with highrisk factors). People at high-risk include babies less than 1 year old, people who have weak immune systems, and people who are pregnant,” Kelsey Wussow of the health department wrote in a press release.

“The best way to prevent mumps is to receive the MMR vaccine (measles,

Please see Mumps, page 5 Mumps,

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mumps, and rubella), before an exposure happens.

“The MMR vaccine is not used as a prevention tool after an exposure has already taken place, and is not effective at helping those who already have been infected with mumps. Vaccination can prevent disease for potential future exposures.

“Children should routinely get two doses of MMR vaccine with the first dose at age 12 through 15 months and the second dose at age 4 through 6 years. Adults who have not received the MMR vaccine should receive one dose if they do not have any evidence of immunity to measles, mumps or rubella. Those who are pregnant or severely immunocompromised should not receive an MMR vaccine, but should contact their healthcare provider.

“If you have health insurance, and are looking for an MMR vaccine, please contact your healthcare provider. Local health departments can vaccinate adults without health insurance. In addition, they can vaccinate children without health insurance or who are on Medicaid (Badgercare).

“Please call your healthcare provider before arrival if you are seeking care, or are looking for an MMR vaccine, to ensure the proper precautions for staff and others.”

For more information about mumps, visit: – dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p4/ p42110.pdf – dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/ mumps.htm – cdc.gov/mumps/about/index.htm