Health

Mumps Case Reported in San Diego

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A San Diego County resident has been diagnosed with mumps and may have exposed others while attending a concert at the Casbah in San Diego, the County Health and Human Services Agency reported today.

The person attended the Aug. 28 concert of Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears at the club, located at 2501 Kettner Boulevard in San Diego. People present at the club between 8:30 and 11 p.m. that evening may have been exposed to mumps and could become ill between 12 to 25 days after exposure.

“Anyone who was at the concert that evening and who shows signs of the disease should contact their health care provider by telephone before seeking care so appropriate precautions can be taken to prevent the further spread of the disease,” said Wilma Wooten, County public health officer.

Mumps is a highly contagious viral disease that is spread by coughing, sneezing or close contact with an infected person. Mumps causes a fever, headache, earache and inflammation of the salivary glands which results in swelling and tenderness at the angle of the jaw. Males past puberty may experience pain and swelling in the testicles.

Severe complications are rare, but can include meningitis, decreased fertility, permanent hearing loss and, in extreme cases, fetal loss during the first trimester of pregnancy. There is no treatment for mumps. Most people recover without problems.

The best way to prevent mumps is by getting the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are recommended—one at 12 to 15 months of age and another at 4 to 6 years of age. A third booster shot is recommended for those in close living conditions when there is an outbreak.

For more information about mumps, other vaccine-preventable diseases, and the vaccines that protect against them, please contact the County HHSA Immunization Program at (866) 358-2966 or visit the website at www.sdiz.org.

 

José A. Álvarez is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact