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Maui reports first mumps case of 2018

The state Health Department reported the first case of mumps this year in a Maui resident who traveled to Oahu.

Meanwhile, the number of mumps infections on Oahu over the past year has grown to 985 since the outbreak began in March 2017. The last case of mumps reported on Maui was in November 2017.

“The mumps virus continues to circulate in our communities,” State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park said in a news release. “While the number of new cases we have identified in recent weeks has slowed, this outbreak is not over. The largest number of cases are on Oahu, and because of the ease of inter-island travel, new cases may continue to emerge on other islands.”

DOH is recommending residents get vaccinated — particularly those born in or after 1957 and those ages 10 to 45 years; stay home for at least nine days after the onset of swelling of the salivary glands; cover coughs and sneezes and wash hands frequently. In addition, people should avoid sharing food and drinks.

To find a pharmacy for vaccinations, go to health.hawaii.gov/docd/vaccinesimmunizations/vaccine-locators/.

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