The mumps outbreak in Franklin County has jumped from 16 cases to 69 confirmed cases.
Of the confirmed cases, 52 are linked to Ohio State University students between ages 18-48. The remaining cases are confined to residents in Frankin county between the ages of 4 to 50. The mumps is spread the same way as the flu. Coughing and sharing saliva as well as any kind of respiratory secretions.
"Right now, as of today we don't have any confirmed cases of mumps in Mukingum county or any of the other surrounding counties in our area such as Morgan, Coshocton, or Perry. Noble, Gurnsey, none of them have any confirmed cases of mumps at this time," said Kristen Baker, South East Regional Epidemiologist.
To keep our area healthy and to prevent an epidemic, practice good cough etiquette, stay away from ill people, and wash your hands regularly. Although, vaccines are 80 to 90 percent effective, you should still check with your physician to see if you are up to date on your vaccinations.
"Getting the vaccine helps, children, most of them received the MMR when they're young and they receive the booster shot when they are between 4 and 6 when they're getting ready to go into Kindergarten. There are certain populations that we do recommend they check with their physician because they might be in need of a booster shot or of receiving their MMR," said Baker.
The CDC recommends that any one born before 1957 check with their physician to see if they have anti-bodies against the mumps. Those born before 1979 were treated with a different form of the vaccine and may need to have updated treatment. Students commuting to the Ohio State University campus may need a booster shot to prevent spreading.
For more information on the mumps and how to keep our area mumps free, visit the center for disease control at their website www.cdc.gov/mumps or call 800-cdc-info. You can also visit the The Zanesville Muskingum County Health Department at their websitewww.zmchd.org.
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