Washington state health officials increased the number of total mumps cases in the state related to an ongoing outbreak that began in October 2016 to 794 Thursday, marking a 23-case increase since last week's update.
The cases include both confirmed and probable infections identified by the Washington State Department of Health as of April 26. Fourteen counties have been affected by the outbreak, with a vast majority of the cases reported in Spokane county and King county.
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The mumps is a highly communicable virus characterized by swollen salivary glands and puffy cheeks. The virus is transmitted via person-to-person contact and often accompanied by initial symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite.
To learn more about the mumps, click here.
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