A cluster of mumps has been reported among people related to Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort.

Summit County Public Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE) are working together to investigate a small group of mumps, a contagious viral disease that can be prevented by measles vaccine. mumps and rubella (MMR).

To date, six mumps cases have been identified among people badociated with or employed by the Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort. The number of cases may change as the investigation continues. Public health officials believe that the risk to members of the public who have been in contact with the ski resort is minimal and there is currently no known spread in the community.

Mumps transmission is more common in environments where people have close and prolonged contact, such as with colleagues or family members. Population-based mumps vaccination is probably high enough to provide protection against widespread transmission of the virus. Individuals may want to check their vaccination status to make sure that they are protected against mumps.

"The Arapahoe Basin is fully cooperating and coordinating closely with Summit County Public Health to support the affected employees and to protect all staff and the public," said Sara Lopez, Chief Nursing Officer for Health Summit County Public Library.

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Mumps is a viral infection that causes painful swelling of the glands of the cheek and jaw. A mild fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and headaches are other symptoms. About one-third of those infected with the virus have no symptoms. Rare symptoms may include swollen testicles, meningitis (cerebrospinal fluid infection), encephalitis (brain infection), and hearing loss.

Mumps is transmitted from person to person through contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose or throat. People with mumps can spread the disease to other people two days before the onset of symptoms and five days later. Most people with mumps get better in less than two weeks with bed rest, taking fluids and medications to reduce pain and / or fever.

Mumps is a different disease from measles, which currently causes illness in many states of the country. The MMR vaccine prevents both diseases. The MMR vaccine is safe and very effective, but it does not prevent mumps once you have been exposed.

Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for children, the first at the age of 12-15 months and the second at the age of 4 to 6 years. Immunization immunity against mumps may decrease over time, some vaccinated people may contract mumps. The vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune to mumps and do not need to be vaccinated, but other adults need to make sure that they have been vaccinated well.