Published: April 26, 2006 03:00 pm            

Mumps outbreak swells

Local officials recommend immunization precautions

As midwestern states such as Illinois, Minnesota and Kansas attempt to curb their recent outbreak of mumps, local health officials prepare for any signs of the virus.

"The health department is encouraging young adults to get vaccinations," Pontotoc County Health Department Administrator Michael Echelle said. "While Oklahoma is not experiencing an outbreak at this time, the state is investigating 12 probable cases."

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health Communicable Disease Division, mumps is an infection caused by the mumps virus that can result in swelling with tenderness of the salivary glands along with fever. Swelling may occur on one or both sides of the face, with symptoms that may include headache, general aches and muscle pains.

Local schools are also taking precautions to prevent students from contracting the virus. Ada City School nurse Sandy Chandler said schools are in the initial stages of preparing.

“Right now we're working with the health department," she said. "They recommended that we do a preventive mode, in which we're just notifying parents of children who are at risk, checking the children's records. We've also notified all of the staff."

The mumps virus is spread through saliva and discharges from the nose and throat of the infected individuals. It can affect any person of any age who has not had the disease or been immunized against it. It is most common among infants, children and young adults.

"Vaccines are available at the Pontotoc County Health Department," Echelle said. "Those individuals should consult with their health care provider."



The Oklahoma State Department of Health is recommending that Oklahomans check their immunization records for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations.

For most Oklahomans, MMR vaccine can be obtained from their primary physicians office and should be covered by their health insurance. Persons who are uninsured may obtain the vaccine from county health departments.



• Persons that have had two MMR or mumps containing vaccinations or a clinical history of mumps disease do not need further vaccination.



• Students kindergarden through 12th grade and college students should have two doses of MMR vaccine.



• Other persons born during or after 1957 should have at least one dose of MMR vaccine.



• Persons who are health care workers, of any age, should have two doses of MMR vaccine.



• Persons born before 1957 are presumed immune even if they have not had clinically recognizable mumps disease.

        

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