After two confirmed cases of Mumps were found in Chandler, Maricopa County health officials issued a statement reminding people of symptoms to look for from the contagious disease.

“As of right now, we only know of the two confirmed cases at Hamilton High,” said Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director of disease control at the Maricopa Department of Public Health.

Sunenshine added that Mumps cases in Arizona are relatively uncommon, but there are reports of other outbreaks in other parts of the country.

“Hamilton High School has a high vaccination rate,” said Sunenshine, adding that vaccination usually given to children is the best way to combat mumps.

The vaccine is commonly referred to as the MMR vaccine, which protects against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.

The vaccine normally is administered in two doses, one at 12-15 months, and then again at 4-5 years.

While the vaccine is highly effective, it is still possible to catch one of the viruses.

Mumps 

Mumps is a virus that can be spread through the air, or through infected areas from the nose, mouth, and throat. The virus can also be spread through coming in contact with the infected person’s saliva, according to county health officials.

The symptoms to look out for:

  • Swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands by the neck and jaw 
  • A low grade fever accompanied by headaches, muscle aches, and loss of appetite
  • Swelling of the testicles in men, swelling of the ovaries in women, leading to abdominal pain
  • Stiff neck and headache

CLOSE

Mumps is a viral disease that leads to swollen salivary glands, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also known as the CDC.
Wochit

Measles 

Measles is a virus that can be spread through the air via coughs and sneezes, according to the Centers for Disease Control. A recent outbreak in Washington state raised renewed concerns about the disease.

The symptoms to look out for;

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Rash
  • Other cold-like symptoms
  • Diarrhea
  • Brain swelling (in rare cases)

Rubella 

Also known as German Measles, Rubella can also be spread through coughs and sneezes. Some people who are infected don’t show any symptoms at all. This virus can be spread to a fetus, which can cause organ damage, heart defects, and mental disabilities, according to the CDC.

The symptoms to look out for;

  • Fever
  • Short term rash
  • Mild pink-eye
  • Swollen lymph nodes

CLOSE

As a small percentage of U.S. parents refuse to vaccinate their children for “non-medical” reasons. New research warns that even a handful of such families could possibly trigger an increase in local measles cases. Based on data collected by the U.S.

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