FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 2, 2006

LARGEST OUTBREAK OF MUMPS IN TWO DECADES A REMINDER TO IMMUNIZE

Health Commissioner urges parents to be sure their children are immunized

The nation’s largest outbreak of mumps in two decades is prompting the Westchester County Department of Health to urge all residents to ensure that they are sufficiently vaccinated against mumps.

Since December there have been well over 1,000 cases identified in eight Mid-Western states. In comparison, national statistics generally show fewer than 300 cases of mumps throughout the country annually. Only one case of mumps has been identified in Westchester during the past five years. This new mumps outbreak could continue its spread to more states and eventually arrive in our area.

“Now is the time to prepare for this mumps outbreak. While vaccination does not guarantee 100 percent protection against mumps in all cases, it does prevent illness in the great majority of cases,” said Joshua Lipsman, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of Health for Westchester County. “Even in the event that mumps is not prevented by vaccination, the illness will likely be less severe among those who have been vaccinated compared with those who have not.”

Mumps vaccine is usually given in two doses during childhood, in combination with measles and rubella vaccines. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone 18 years of age and over, if he or she was born after 1956, should get at least one measles mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination unless he or she has either received two doses previously or has had the illness. Having mumps one time usually gives immunity for life.

“In the current outbreak, students are at the greatest risk of getting mumps,” said Dr. Lipsman. “It is very important that these individuals receive two doses of MMR vaccination to maximize their protection.”

Mumps is a viral illness characterized by swollen salivary glands as well as fever, headaches, and fatigue. Fortunately, it is usually not a very serious illness among healthy young people, although it is unpleasant and can occasionally result in serious complications, including deafness, sterility, miscarried pregnancy and, rarely, death.

Individuals with signs and symptoms of mumps, such as swollen cheeks or neck, jaw pain, fever, or painful or swollen testicles, who have recently traveled to the Mid-West should consult a health care provider immediately. It is also important to notify the health care provider before the visit that you suspect mumps so that you do not wait in the waiting room and possibly spread mumps to others.

For more information, please call the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000 or visit the Health Department’s website at www.westchestergov.com/health.

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