The Hawaii Department of Health has confirmed over 600 cases of mumps in Hawaii so far this year, 66 here on Hawaii Island. Both adults and children, vaccinated and unvaccinated have gotten the disease. A total of 16 people have had complications such as hearing loss and orchitis (swelling of the testicles).
Why the new outbreaks?
No one knows for sure, but what we do know is that mumps cases can be cyclical over the years. According to the CDC it does not appear that there has been a mutation in the virus that has made the vaccines less effective, nor that the virus is being brought into the U.S. by travelers.
What are mumps?
Mumps are a viral infection which is spread by airborne respiratory droplets and is easily transmitted by sneezing, coughing, talking, kissing, or touching objects that someone with unwashed hands has touched. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite and swollen salivary glands under the ears. Some people may feel sick but have no mumps symptoms, others may have very mild or no symptoms, but still be contagious.
Most common outbreaks have occurred in close quarters such as dormitories, prisons, schools and other close communities. Outbreaks can even happen among vaccinated people, as immunity wanes over time, lasting about 10-15 years.
Vaccines for mumps come in a combination with the measles and rubella vaccines, called the MMR (measles/mumps/rubella). The single mumps vaccine is no longer available in the United States. The mumps portion of the MMR vaccine is about 78 percent (49-91 percent) effective after first vaccine, and about 88 percent (66-95 percent) effective after the second vaccine four weeks later. Because of the lower effectiveness of the mumps portion of the vaccine as compared to measles and rubella, the CDC recommends booster shots especially during outbreaks.
Complications are not common but can occur. They include encephalitis (brain swelling), meningitis (infection of brain/spinal cord covering), orchitis, oophoritis (swollen ovaries), mastitis (breast swelling) pancreatitis, temporary or permanent hearing loss and first-trimester miscarriage.
If you get the mumps:
If you have the mumps, you should avoid close contact with other people until at least five days after you have swollen glands. You are most contagious at this time. Stay home from school or work, and even limit contact with people you live with. Sleep in a room by yourself, if possible. In order to control the spread of mumps, Hawaii Administrative Rules 11-156 states that a person with mumps may not attend school, work, or travel for nine days after the onset of parotitis (swelling of the salivary glands). Also, those who have been exposed and are not vaccinated should not attend school, work or travel from day 12 through day 25 after exposure to the virus. Most people show signs 16-18 days after exposure. A majority of people recover completely in a few weeks.
How to avoid getting the mumps during this outbreak:
Whether you are fully vaccinated, half-vaccinated, out-dated or unvaccinated, here are some things you need to know to protect yourself, especially during an outbreak. Start with the basics of hygiene: wash your hands, sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow, stay home if you feel ill, tired or “off” for no apparent reason as you could be contagious. Take care of yourself by eating healthy, staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep and exercise.
According to the CDC website, vitamins A, C, D and zinc, among others have been found to be helpful for preventing viruses, reducing symptoms and shortening length of illness. Contact your health care provider for your individualized plan.