New cases of mumps continue to climb as the state Department of Health confirmed another 11 Thursday, raising the statewide total to 154 this year.

The disease was confirmed in seven adults and four children, with 10 of the cases on Oahu and one on Kauai.

Health officials said more cases are expected as the disease continues to run its course across the state. They are urging MMR vaccination as a measure of prevention.

One dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended for adults born in 1957 or after, and a second dose at a minimum of four weeks after the first dose is also recommended. Children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine.

Mumps is spread through coughing, sneezing or touching contaminated objects or surfaces. Symptoms include fever, headache, swollen glands in front of the ears or jaw, tired­ness and muscle aches, the Health Department said in a news release.

Those who contract the disease are required under state law to remain out of the public for nine days — skipping school, work or travel.

More information about mumps and the ongoing investigation can be found on the DOH website at health.hawaii.gov/docd/department-of-health-investigating-mumps-cases.

Hawaii island

2 charged in auto thefts

Hawaii island police arrested two people this week in connection with 13 vehicle thefts since April — one theft occurring at gunpoint.

The Hawaii Police Department said in a news release that as the result of a task force launched in the wake of an “alarming number of auto thefts,” a man and a woman were arrested Tuesday and have been charged.

The vehicles were stolen in Puna, Hilo, Hamakua, South Kohala and Kona.

Christian Olivera, 19, and Jasmine Saragosa-Taoy, 24, were taken into custody at a Hawaiian Paradise Park residence in Puna at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Police arrested Olivera in connection with vehicle thefts on April 28, May 6, May 22, May 28, May 31, June 21, June 25, July 6, July 9, two on July 8 and two on July 7. The vehicles were chiefly Honda Civics and Toyota Tacomas. Olivera allegedly fled from police in a chase July 7, and he’s accused of using a firearm in the May 28 theft, allegedly for stealing a Subaru coupe at gunpoint. He’s accused of recklessly placing a police officer in danger of death or injury July 8.

Saragosa-Taoy is also accused in the July 7 thefts as well as the May 31 theft. In addition, she’s accused of recklessly placing a police officer in danger and also faces charges in connection with stolen credit cards.

On Wednesday, Olivera was charged with 13 counts of unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, three counts of resisting an order to stop, two counts of terroristic threatening and one count each of criminal property damage and robbery. His bail is set at $600,000.

Saragosa-Taoy was charged with hindering prosecution, two counts of credit card theft and two counts of unauthorized possession of confidential personal information. She was also charged with being an accomplice to Olivera in three counts of unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, one count of terroristic threatening and criminal property damage. Her bail is set at $115,000.