Mumps Outbreaks Not Uncommon [AUDIO]

Monmouth County is in the midst of investigating 22 presumed mumps cases; and while people often get vaccinated against the virus, incidents of it popping up are more common than you might think.

New Jersey state epidemiologist Dr. Tina Tan says they have seen outbreaks of mumps both in the Garden State and across the country. In 2009 and 2010, a large outbreak occurred in New Jersey and neighboring states in part due to a religious observant community.

“The reason why these outbreaks due happen from time to time even amongst highly vaccinated populations is because no vaccine is one hundred percent effective,” said Tan.

In fact, it’s not uncommon to see a few cases of the virus in any given year.

Children tend to have mild cases of the mumps according to Tan, and adults have more potential for serious complications from the virus.

“Fortunately these complications are very rare, but there are complications that can include miscarriage, deafness, swelling of the brain, testes, and ovaries.”

Tan said bed rest, fluids, and symptom targeting medicines are used to treat mumps, and notes most people will recover on their own.

She advised people watch out for the symptoms including headache, fever, and the telltale sign of swollen salivary glands on the cheeks and lower jaw.

Of the 22 cases, 21 of them are adults, most of them employees or recent patrons of the popular Belmar bar D’Jais.