TULSA COUNTY -- The Tulsa Health Department is investigating an outbreak of mumps in Tulsa County.
So far, health officials have identified eight cases, five of which have been confirmed by a laboratory. One of the confirmed cases is a student at the 7th Grade Center at Owasso Public Schools.
The Tulsa Health Department is following standard disease investigation and response by working with individuals potentially exposed.
Mumps is a virus that is spread from person to person through contact with saliva or mucus from an infected person’s mouth, nose, or throat. It can be spread through coughing, sneezing, or sharing items like drinks or eating utensils. Symptoms of the mumps virus most commonly include swollen salivary glands, fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
“Mumps is easily spread from person to person,” said Executive Director Dr. Bruce Dart. “The best way to prevent the mumps virus is to receive the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine – and encourage others to receive the MMR vaccine as well. Maintaining the highest possible level of immunization in the community can prevent mumps.”
For more information on mumps, click here.
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