First confirmed case of mumps in Utah County under investigation | Local news



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Health officials are investigating a confirmed case of mumps in an unvaccinated adult in Utah County.

Although no other information was disclosed about the patient, the Utah County Health Department encouraged residents to check that they had received the vaccine against the patient. measles, mumps and rubella.

The epidemiology coordinator, Lisa Guerra, said that the disease was not completely eradicated in Utah County and that the department usually confirmed two or three cases a year.

Mumps is a highly contagious disease that causes fevers, headaches and swollen salivary glands, according to a ministry press release. Officials learned that the adult may have had the disease Monday and confirmed their suspicions on Wednesday.

The disease is spread through saliva or mucus through objects or surfaces touched by an infected person. Since mumps does not persist in the air, the highest risk is for people who are within 3 feet of an infected individual or who share personal items with him.

"Mumps is one of those diseases that can infect some people and actually has no symptoms or symptoms of discomfort, fatigue, pain and lack of appetite," said Dr. David Flinders, doctor of the director department.

If a person is exposed to mumps, symptoms may appear 12 to 25 days after infection. There is no specific treatment for mumps and those with symptoms need to contact a health care provider.

Additional complications may include swelling and inflammation around the genitals, inflammation of the brain or spinal cord membrane, loss of pregnancy, and permanent hearing loss.

"It seems that in the case of mumps, a single shot is often not adequate," Flinders said. "It is important that people receive two MMR shots to provide adequate protection against mumps."

To help reduce the spread of the disease, officials advise residents to get vaccinated and wash their hands often, while avoiding sharing food, drinks, water bottles, utensils and other personal items.

The MMR vaccine is usually given to children around 9 to 15 months of age, with the second dose administered from 15 months to 6 years of age.

Receiving the vaccination is of vital importance given the recent measles epidemic that has spread to 18 states, including Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, California, Canada, and the United States. State of Washington and Oregon.

"The MMR vaccine will protect against measles and mumps," Flinders said. "We encourage everyone to make sure they receive two doses of the MMR vaccine."

Anyone with symptoms should stay at home for five days after the onset of illness, the press release said.

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