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State’s mumps outbreak surpasses 100 cases

The state Department of Health today reported eight new cases of mumps which brings the tally of this year’s outbreak to more than 100.

Health officials said they confirmed eight additional cases this week of Oahu residents with the mumps, for a total of 104 cases this year.

According to the department, three new cases were confirmed on Tuesday involving two adults and a child, and five cases were confirmed today, involving an adult and four children. None of the cases required hospitalization.

The outbreak had already far surpassed the state’s annual tally in Health Department records dating back to 1990 even though this year isn’t half over, and officials say they expect it to continue. They said today that they are investigating possible new cases.

Mumps is “highly contagious” and “spread through coughing, sneezing and sharing cups and utensils,” health officials said in a news release. “The symptoms include swollen or tender salivary glands, low fever, tiredness and muscle aches.” They advise people who may have mumps to call their doctor and stay home.

Health officials also recommend the mumps measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, known as MMR, saying that two doses are 88 percent effective while one dose is 78 percent effective.

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For information on the MMR vaccine, go to http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/vaccinesimmunizations/vaccine-locators or call the Aloha United Way information line at 2-1-1.

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