Mumps cases have been reported in Winneshiek County

The county health department is alerting the public that mumps can be a serious disease if one has not had the recommended two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
 
Symptoms of mumps include: fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and 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.
 
For more information, contact Winneshiek County Public Health at 563-382-4662 or your local health care provider.