Source of mumps outbreak unknown

By Raquel Vincent
59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Between January and April, there were more than 600 possible mumps cases reported in the Midwestern United States.

The source of the outbreak and why it has spread in such large numbers is unknown.

"The Air Force has not seen an increase in cases of mumps within our active duty or beneficiary populations, but we have increased our efforts to identify new cases in the face of the outbreak," said Col. Thomas Stedman, commander of the 59th Medical Wing public health flight here.

Mumps is a viral infection of the salivary glands in the cheeks, which can cause fever, swelling of the cheeks and respiratory symptoms. Though the disease is rarely fatal, it often requires several days of home care and possibly hospitalization, he said.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent mumps. Although many children receive two doses of the mumps vaccine -- including measles and rubella -- and known as MMR, some people may have only received one dose as a child. People should contact their primary care manager to request the MMR vaccine.

"We are now considering adding a specific test to assess immunity to mumps followed by vaccination of those that are not already immune during basic military training here," Stedman said.

"Individuals should use precaution when around people they believe are infectious," said Tech. Sgt. Annette Reid, noncommissioned officer in charge of the communicable disease section.

"Social distancing -- standing at least three feet away when in contact -- and washing hands frequently are good ways to prevent infection," she said. If you are concerned that you or someone in your family may have mumps, contact your primary care manager immediately."

Medical treatment facilities should report any new laboratory-confirmed cases of mumps through their service-specific system and to local public health officials.