Updated April 6, 2017:
Mumps Investigation Continues at Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kan. - The Riley County Health Department (RCHD), Lafene Health Center and Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) continue to investigate an ongoing mumps outbreak association with Kansas State University's Manhattan campus. In an effort to prevent and/or minimize additional cases, KDHE is recommending a third dose of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine for close contacts of known cases. The recommendations is being made based on outbreak control guidance set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). RCHD, Lafence Health Center and KDHE will continue to quickly identify and directly contact students, faculty or staff determined to be at an increased risk and will provide those identified additional information about receiving a third dose of MMR vaccine. Lafene Health Center will coordinate the vaccination efforts on campus, with support being provided by RCHD and KDHE.
To date, there have been 15 cases identified with an association to the University since January 2017. Information is subject to change as investigations continue.
Mumps is a contagious disease caused by the mumps virus. Symptoms of illness include: fever, swelling of the parotid gland(s) (parotitis), myalgia, malaise, loss of appetite and headache. Other complications including orchitis (swelling of the testicles), oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries), meningitis and encephalitis. Symptoms generally last 2-10 days, and individuals are most infections from two days before onset of symptoms to five days after onset; most people recover completely in a few weeks.
Mumps is a four-hour reportable disease in the state of Kansas. All cases should be reported to KDHE by calling the epidemiology hotline (1-877-427-7137). Anyone who suspects they have mumps should contact their health care provider immediately and stay home from work, school and any social activities. KSU students, faculty or staff who are concerned that they have mumps should call Lafene Health Center at 785-532-6544.
Mumps is spread through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose or throat of an infected person, usually when a person coughs, sneezes or talks. Items used by an infected person, such as cups or eating utensils can also be contaminated with the virus and may spread the disease to others.
Aside from staying isolated if you have mumps, other ways to prevent spreading the virus include:
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and properly discarding the tissue. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve/elbow, not your hands.
- Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils.
- Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, tables and countertops.
MMR vaccine prevents most cases of mumps, but not all. Some people who receive two doses of MMR can still get mumps, especially if they have prolonged close contact with someone who has the disease. If a vaccinated person does become sick with mumps, illness can be less severe than in an unvaccinated person. The most effective way to reduce risk of contracting mumps is being vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.
For information, visit the CDC Webpage on Mumps.
March 9, 2017:
Mumps cases have been reported in multiple counties in Kansas. Riley County Health Department is working closely with Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to identify cases. For full information regarding the current number of cases in Riley County refer to the KDHE Summary Report Update, found on the KDHE Mumps Webpage.
The Riley County Health Department and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) along with healthcare professionals in Manhattan and at Kansas State University (KSU) are investigating a mumps outbreak associated with the University's Manhattan campus. Currently, three cases have been identified and onsets of illness range from late January to mid-February. Information is subject to change as investigations continue. Mumps is a contagious disease caused by the mumps virus, a member of the Paramyxoviridae family. Symptoms of illness include: fever and swelling of the parotid gland/s (parotitis), myalgia, malaise, loss of appetite and headache. Anyone who suspects they have mumps should contact their health care provider immediately and stay home from work, school and any social activities. KSU students, faculty or staff who are concerned they have mumps should call the Lafene Health Center at 785-532-6544. The most effective way to reduce risk of contracting mumps is by being vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. For more information about mumps visit https://www.cdc.gov/mumps/
For full information, refer to the full press release.
