New health concern--mumps reported in Winneshiek County

(Photo courtesy of the Center for Disease Control)

The Winneshiek County Public Health Department is reporting that cases of mumps have been diagnosed in the county.

Local health officials say mumps can be a serious disease if one has not had the recommended two doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR).  The symptoms of having mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite and swollen salivary glands under the jaw. 

Mumps is spread by saliva or mucus droplets from an infected person to others by coughing, sneezing or talking.  Items used by an infected person, such as cups or soft drink cans, can also be contaminated with the virus, which may spread to others if those items are shared. In addition, the virus may spread when someone with mumps touches items or surfaces without washing their hands and someone else then touches the same surface and rubs their mouth or nose.

If you are unsure whether you have had two doses of MMR vaccine, please contact your healthcare provider.  If you believe you have symptoms of the mumps, please contact your healthcare provider to determine if testing is appropriate so you can avoid exposing others in the waiting rooms.  The Iowa Department of Public Health does NOT recommend persons to receive a third dose of MMR vaccine.