DOH recommendations for mumps outbreak in Washington

Mumps has spread and health officials urge immunization. The Washington State Department of Health reminds people across the state to take precautions to help stop the spread of mumps.

It’s especially important for you as a health care professional to take precautions. Avoid close contact with anyone who is suspected of having mumps. If you have been exposed to mumps and feel ill, stay home to help prevent the spread of the disease and contact your health care provider. If you don’t have a health care provider, call your local health department or the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by the mumps virus. It can happen any time of the year, and can cause long-term health problems. The virus is mostly spread by coughing, sneezing or other contact with saliva from someone who is infected. It is as contagious as flu. Those infected with mumps usually are contagious before symptoms appear and for a few days after, so they can spread the virus without realizing it.

There is no treatment for mumps but there is prevention. It’s important for everyone to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the mumps virus.

Resources for more information on the mumps:

The Washington State Department of Health

CDC

Mumps Outbreak Toolkit for Health Care providers