The Washington State Department of Health (WSDH) is reminding people across the state to make sure they take precautions to help stop the spread of mumps. This comes after state health officials report 88 confirmed and probable cases statewide.

Image/ National Atlas of the United States
Image/ National Atlas of the United States

King County has reported 78 cases (19 confirmed, 59 probable) to date, with the bulk of the cases reported in residents of Auburn (63).

King County health officials report that seven out of 10 people infected are up to date on their measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

The WSDH says despite these numbers, the best protection against mumps is the MMR vaccine. If you don’t think you have ever had MMR or MMRV vaccine, contact your healthcare provider for immunizations or a blood test as soon as possible. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, call your local health department or the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

If you think you have been exposed to mumps, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

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