David Y. Ige

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed fifteen (15) more cases of Oahu residents with the mumps, raising the total number of cases this year to 119. The new cases involved eight (8) adults and seven (7) children. None of the cases required hospitalization and all are recovering.

DOH is investigating the new cases and expects the mumps virus to continue circulating around Oahu. Mumps is highly-contagious and is spread through coughing, sneezing and sharing cups and utensils. Symptoms include swollen or tender salivary glands, fever, tiredness and muscle aches.

Those who are sick are strongly encouraged to stay at home to prevent transmitting their infection to others. DOH also recommends persons without documentation of receiving the MMR vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible, while those who have received one dose are strongly encouraged to consider receiving a second dose. Although not ideal, receiving extra doses of vaccine poses no medical problem.

The MMR vaccine is available at local pharmacies across the state. To locate a vaccinating pharmacy nearest you, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/vaccinesimmunizations/vaccine-locators/ or call the Aloha United Way information and referral line at 2-1-1.

Additional information about mumps and the ongoing investigation can be found on the DOH website at https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/department-of-health-investigating-mumps-cases/.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Sandra Cruz

Disease Outbreak Control Division

Phone: (808) 587-6845