73
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM
A nurse administers the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine Friday at Kaiser Permanente in Honolulu.
The Department of Health today tallied another eight new mumps cases since Thursday, bringing the statewide total to 89 this year.
The eight new cases are Oahu residents and include children and adults, but none of the individuals needed hospitalization.
All eight are either recovered or recovering, the Health Department said.
The disease is highly contagious. Swelling of the salivary glands, fever, headache, muscle ache, tiredness and loss of appetite are common symptoms.
It is spread through saliva or mucus by coughing, sneezing or talking and through contact with objects or surfaces that have been contaminated.
The Health Department recommends adults born in or after 1957 without immunity to mumps or who cannot verify being vaccinated against mumps get one dose of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Those who have gotten a single dose are urged to consider getting vaccinated with a second dose of the MMR vaccine.
By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines.
Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.