The Washington State Department of Health on Wednesday increased its tally of mump cases associated with an ongoing outbreak to 563. The new count marks a 60-case increase from the 503 total reported on Feb. 22.
The outbreak, which began in October 2016, has since sickened residents in 11 counties, with the bulk of illnesses occurring in King County and Spokane County. The outbreak has now spread to students at University of Washington in Seattle, according to a report from Public Health – Seattle & King County. As of Wednesday, 12 UW students associated with fraternities and sorties have contracted the mumps
"With the rising number of cases around the state and at UW, there's greater possibility that anyone could be exposed to mumps while out and about in the community," Meredith Li-Vollmer, a risk communications specialist with the health department, wrote in the report. "That's why it's important for everyone to know the signs and symptoms of mumps and to take steps to reduce the risk of becoming infected. Even if you are vaccinated, you can still get mumps so all people should be diligent about symptoms and stay home if ill."
The mumps is a highly communicable disease known for painful, swollen salivary glands that cause puffy cheeks and swollen jaw. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite. In addition to being properly vaccinated, practicing good hand hygiene can provide protection from the mumps.
Two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine are 88 percent effective at preventing the mumps, according to the CDC.
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