Welcome to Skagit County
March 13, 2017
10 cases of mumps now identified in Skagit County
As of March 13, 2017, Skagit County Public Health has identified ten cases of mumps in Skagit County, including five students in the Mount Vernon School District. No cases have been identified in any other Skagit County school districts.
Mumps can be easily transmitted from person to person. The best way to prevent getting mumps is to get vaccinated. Skagit County Public Health recommends you talk with your healthcare provider in order to get your Mumps Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The vaccine is available at many healthcare providers’ offices and local pharmacies.
Regardless of your vaccination status against mumps, if you experience mumps symptoms (including swelling below the ear or jaw, fever, muscle aches, hearing loss, or loss of appetite), please contact your healthcare provider. Inform them if you believe you have been exposed to mumps. Stay home, and keep away from other people and public settings until you have been evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Mumps is an extremely contagious infection caused by a virus. The virus is found in saliva, and is spread through respiratory droplets (e.g. sneezing and coughing) when people are within three feet of each other. Mumps can also be spread through sharing items such as beverage containers, eating utensils, and phones.
People who have not had two MMR vaccinations are nine times more likely to contract the illness than those who have received the vaccine. People born before 1957 are considered immune.
Skagit County Public Health is working closely with local healthcare partners to monitor and respond to confirmed cases of mumps. The most effective weapon against mumps is vaccination.
If you have any further questions, please contact Skagit County Public Health at 360-416-1500.
Related:
Video: Mumps Presentation to the Board of Health (3/13/17)
Powerpoint Presentation