Mumps Outbreak 2017

Mumps outbreak in Washington State

Mumps has spread and health officials urge immunization. The Washington State Department of Health reminds people across the state to take precautions to help stop the spread of mumps.

It's especially important for you to take precautions during winter holiday social gatherings. Avoid kissing, hugging and other close contact with anyone who is suspected of having mumps. If you have been exposed to mumps and feel ill, stay home to help prevent the spread of the disease and contact your healthcare provider. If you don't have a healthcare provider, call your local health department or the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

Mumps outbreak cases (confirmed and probable)
by county, October 2016 - September 2017
County Cases*
Benton County 6
Ferry County 3
Grant County 45
King County 313
Kitsap County 2
Okanogan County 3
Pend Oreille County 3
Pierce County 62
Skagit County 17
Snohomish County 87
Spokane County 333
Stevens County 1
Thurston County 6
Whatcom County 5
Yakima County 5
Total 891
* Confirmed and probable cases in WA as of September 13, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.
No further updates are planned. The most recent onset for a mumps case in Washington was August 11, 2017.

What can you do to prevent the spread of mumps?

The best protection against mumps is the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella viruses.

  • If you don't think you ever had MMR vaccine or MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella/chickenpox), contact your healthcare provider for immunizations or a blood test as soon as possible. If you don't have a healthcare provider, call your local health department or the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.
  • If you think you have been exposed to mumps, contact your healthcare provider for advice.
  • If you become ill after a possible exposure to mumps:
    • Contact your healthcare provider and ask to be evaluated for possible mumps.
    • Protect other people - Stay away from other people to avoid exposing them to mumps.
  • To find out if there are special recommendations in your community, contact your local public health department.

Information

For Parents and the Public

For Schools

For Health Care Providers

For Local Health Jurisdictions

For Tribal Communities

What is DOH doing?

The Department of Health is coordinating disease investigation and prevention activities for the multi-county mumps outbreak. We are providing:

  • Laboratory testing,
  • Disease investigation services, and
  • Resources and services to support counties where the illnesses are happening

Our goal is to stop the spread of mumps to protect the people of our state.