[ad_1]
PROVO – Health officials in Utah County confirmed that an unvaccinated adult had contracted mumps, according to a press release issued Tuesday by the Utah County Health Department.
The officials did not reveal any other details about the person. This is the first known case of mumps reported along the Wasatch front since the beginning of the year.
Mumps is a highly contagious viral disease that includes symptoms such as fever, headache and swelling of the salivary glands, the statement said. Fatigue, muscle aches and loss of appetite can also affect mumps patients, officials said.
Symptoms usually appear 16 to 18 days after a person's exposure to the disease, officials said.
The disease is spread by saliva or mucus, as well as by objects touched by an infected person, the statement said.
According to the press release, it is advisable not to share food, drinks or other items containing saliva. People should also wash their hands frequently, cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, clean and disinfect common surfaces frequently and get vaccinated with two doses of MMR vaccine.
People who catch mumps should stay at home at least five days after the onset of symptoms, the statement said.
"Vaccination helps prevent mumps. Individuals should review their medical records and ensure they are up to date on all vaccines, including two doses of MMR vaccine, which protects against mumps, "said Dr. David Flinders, Medical Director of the Department of Utah County Health.
An outbreak of mumps had already been reported in Sanpete County last month. A case of the disease was also reported in St. George earlier this year.
Health officials said that measles would likely soon be headed to Utah. The MMR vaccine also protects against this disease.
Jacob Klopfenstein[ad_2]
Source link