Most children are immunized to prevent mumps with the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) injection.
Mumps can affect people of all ages. As with many illnesses, symptoms can be more severe in adults and complications are more likely.
Most cases of mumps go away without any treatment. However, other symptoms like abdominal pain and a flu-like feeling can lead to treatment in a hospital, according to the website.
Symptoms of Mumps, according to WebMD
- Swelling and jaw pain
- Fever
- Pain when swallowing or opening the mouth
- Headache, earache, sore throat
- Pain when eating sour foods or drinking sour liquids
- Tiredness, achy muscles and joints
- Vomiting, poor appetite
WebMD indicates that a person can spread the virus a week before and for nine days after showing symptoms. The most likely time to spread mumps is 1-2 days before you feel it, and five days after the symptoms start. While Franklin County has seen 63 confirmed cases of mumps, the disease hasn't seemed to spread to this area.
Cases of Mumps in the Miami Valley, according to Public Health Dayton/Montgomery County
- Montgomery County 3 cases since 2007
- Miami County 2 cases since 2010
- Clark County 2 cases since 2010
- Greene County 3 cases since 2010
Dr. Thomas Herchline of Public Health Dayton/Montgomery County encourages people to avoid sharing drinks, food, and utensils with others, as the virus is spread through direct contact with people who may or may not show symptoms.
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