Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) is reporting 88 mumps cases in Dallas County for 2017.
DCHHS has identified 68 related mumps cases between students, staff members and household contacts in relation to the Cedar Hill ISD outbreak. Not all cases are Dallas County residents. DCHHS has identified 17 unrelated mumps cases in Mesquite, Dallas and DeSoto. DCHHS has also identified 3 related cases in DeSoto.
DCHHS health officials are urging immunization to protect against and prevent the spread of mumps. People who have had two mumps vaccinations (such as two MMR vaccines) are usually considered immune from mumps.
A third dose of the MMR vaccine is only recommended by the CDC when an individual is associated with an ongoing outbreak.
“At two doses, the MMR vaccine is very impactful at 88% effectiveness,” said Dr. Christopher Perkins, Dallas County medical director/health authority. “A third dose is recommended if you have been associated with an outbreak. Ensuring you are up to date with your vaccination is the best protection in addition to washing hands frequently and cleaning/disinfecting objects or surfaces that may be contaminated with germs.”
“The increased number of mumps cases reported in the North Texas area underscore the importance of getting vaccinated,” said DCHHS Director Zachary Thompson.
Texas has reported 242 mumps cases through Apr. 29, according to CDC data.
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