In a follow-up on the mumps outbreak in New Castle County, Delaware, The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is confirming two additional cases of the mumps, as part of its ongoing investigation of an outbreak among attendees at two multi-cultural dances in New Castle County. This brings the total number of mumps cases to 15.
All of the individuals infected with mumps reside in New Castle County.
Nine of the 15 persons with mumps attended either the Feb. 10, or March 3, 2018 social dance (Baile Mejicano) that took place at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. Two of the remaining four individuals live with someone who attended one of the dances, and source of the mumps virus exposure for the remaining four individuals is still under investigation.
Mumps is an acute viral infection spread through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat. An infected person can spread the virus by coughing, sneezing, or talking, sharing items, such as cups or eating utensils, with others, and touching objects or surfaces with unwashed hands that are then touched by others.
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Symptoms typically start with a few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite, followed by swollen salivary glands, which results in puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw. Symptoms typically appear 16 to 18 days after infection, but can range from 12 to 25 days after infection. Some people with mumps may not have any symptoms. Most people with mumps recover completely in a few weeks. However, mumps can occasionally cause complications, especially in adults.
People known or suspected to have mumps should stay away from school or work until five days after the onset of swollen salivary glands, as there is no specific treatment for mumps.
The CDC recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. Teens and adults who did not get the recommended MMR vaccines per the above schedule should be vaccinated so they are up to date. During outbreaks, CDC also recommends that those at highest risk due to exposure to people with mumps, should receive a third dose of MMR.
