Brooklyn Mumps Outbreak Continues

MYFOXNY.COM - A mumps outbreak in Brooklyn that has lasted for months has prompted health officials to issue a multistate mumps outbreak alert, warning health care providers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to be aware of the problem.

New York City is dealing with nearly 600 confirmed and suspected cases. Most of the patients have one thing in common: Religion. The cases started turning up in late August.

Mumps is an illness characterized by acute swelling of the salivary gland lasting two or more days. The illness can cause deafness and encephalitis. A person can be infected for two days before symptoms appear. The health department is telling people who suspect they have mumps to stay home for five days. Children who are not fully vaccinated against mumps are the highest risk of infection.

All suspected of cases of mumps should be reported to the Bureau of Immunization at 212-676-2288.

• MORE INFORMATION ON MUMPS FROM THE CDC
• WHO SHOULD NOT BE VACCINATED FOR MUMPS

ALERT # 47: Update on Multi-State Mumps Outbreak

1. The mumps outbreak in New York City (NYC) continues.
2. Report all SUSPECT cases of mumps (clinical parotitis) to the Bureau of Immunization (BOI) at 212- 676-2288 or -2284 (or 212-764-7667 after hours).
3. Ensure that ALL children and adults are age-appropriately vaccinated. Adults with unknown vaccination status, particularly in the affected communities, should receive one or two doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, as indicated, to ensure they are fully vaccinated.
4. Keep mumps suspect cases home for 5 days following the onset of parotitis.
5. In healthcare settings, place mumps suspect cases on standard and respiratory droplet precautions immediately by placing a face mask on the person.
6. Obtain clinical specimens (serum and buccal swabs) for diagnostic testing on suspect cases of mumps and refrigerate while waiting for pick-up by the NYC DOHMH.