David Y. Ige

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed ten (10) more cases of residents with the mumps, raising the total number of statewide cases this year to 143. Six (6) of the additional cases of individuals are adults and four (4) are Kauai residents.

None of the individuals required hospitalization and all are recovering. Including this week’s reported cases, there have been eight (8) confirmed mumps cases on Kauai this year. More cases are expected in the coming weeks as mumps is a highly-contagious disease.

Mumps is spread easily through coughing, sneezing and touching objects or surfaces with unwashed hands. Symptoms include fever, headaches, swollen glands in front of the ears or jaw, tiredness and muscle aches.

To prevent the spread of mumps in our community, people who are suspected or diagnosed with mumps are advised to stay at home to avoid exposing others and to contact their healthcare provider immediately. Additionally, everyone is asked to review their immunization records to ensure they are fully vaccinated.

All adults born in or after 1957, without evidence of immunity to mumps and who cannot verify previous MMR vaccination, should receive one MMR dose. Individuals with only one documented MMR dose are strongly encouraged to consider receiving a second MMR vaccine dose. The second dose for adults is recommended at a minimum of four weeks after the first vaccine dose.

All children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine which protects against three diseases: measles, mumps and rubella. The first dose is given at age 12–15 months and the second dose routinely at 4–6 years of age. However, due to the continued circulation of mumps in Hawaii, children between 1–4 years of age should receive their second dose now (a minimum of also four weeks after the first dose).

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.

More 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:

Ronald Balajadia

Disease Outbreak Control Division

Phone: (808) 586-8328