Mumps cases increase by 40% since June

New cases of mumps statewide have risen by close to 40 percent since late June, prompting health officials to continue monitoring the infection and encourage vaccinations.

The number of cases totaled 185 as of Thursday, compared to 133 as of June 29, according to the state Department of Health.

Health officials said 45 percent of the cases involved adults.

Officials said all adults born in or after 1957 who don’t have evidence of immunity to mumps or cannot verify previous vaccinations should be immunized.

People who have received a single dose are strongly encouraged to get a second dose, and children should receive two doses, the department said.

The department said it became aware in March of two clusters of cases of mumps involving nine individuals on Oahu.

Mumps symptoms include fever, muscle ache, headache, and swollen glands under the ears and jaws.

The mumps virus spreads through saliva and other fluids from the mouth, nose or throat.