This week the Texas Department of State Health Services warned the public about multiple mumps outbreaks throughout the state. This year alone, authorities have documented 221 cases. The state of Texas hasn’t suffered from an outbreak this bad in 22 years.
“What we’ve seen — as in other parts of the country, (it’s) really just the same thing — a pretty big resurgence in mumps cases over the last six or eight months,” Chris Van Deusen, spokesman for the state’s health services department, said, adding:
“We have largely seen outbreaks in North Texas, so the Dallas-Fort Worth area and some of the surrounding counties…
We’ve had quite a large one with, counting last year and this year, more than 150 cases in Johnson County, which is just south of Fort Worth. We’ve certainly seen cases in other areas of the state, but those have been where the largest outbreaks have been centered.”
Last year, Texas experienced 192 cases of mumps.
Mumps is a highly contagious virus that spreads via saliva and mucus. Antibiotics are wholly ineffective against the virus.
Those infected with the virus begin experiencing headaches, muscle aches, lethargy, and fevers followed by swelling of the salivary glands. The swelling causes puffy cheeks and sore jaws. The symptoms usually last a couple of days.
There’s no cure for the virus so physicians recommend ample rest and OTC pain relievers to reduce symptoms.