Mumps outbreak includes Grant County

There are over 250 probable and confirmed cases of mumps in Washington, including cases in Grant, King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane and Yakima counties.

The Grant County Health District encouraged residents to take every precaution to help stop the spread of the disease.

Residents in the county were encouraged to be vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, stated Dr. Alexander Brzezny, health officer.

Mumps is a contagious disease with more cases being reported daily. Grant County had three possible cases, all linked to the Columbia Basin Job Corps, at the conclusion of last Friday.

Typical symptoms include a few days with a fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite.

Persons having these symptoms should stay home and avoid contact with others. Symptoms can appear within 12-25 days of contact with an infected person.

A person can spread the disease by coughing, sneezing, or spraying saliva while talking.

Those who have symptoms should call their healthcare provider immediately.