GRAND TRAVERSE CO. -- Two children are diagnosed with mumps in Grand Traverse County.
The Grand Traverse County Health Department contacted both families to give them advice on appropriate isolation procedures to prevent exposing others.
Mumps is a viral infection that is best known for causing swollen salivary glands under the ears. It spreads from person to person mainly through the air, and it is preventable with proper vaccination.
"These new cases should serve as a reminder to all of us that vaccine-preventable diseases are still out there", said Dr. Michael Collins, Medical Director for the Grand Traverse County Health Department. "Your children's baby shots are still one of the best investments you can make into your children's health."
Initial symptoms of mumps are nonspecific, such as headache, loss of appetite, and low-grade fever. The most well-known sign of mumps is the swelling of the salivary, or parotid, glands below the ear, known as "parotitis".
Mumps is usually a mild disease in children, but adults may experience more severe disease and complications. Meningitis may occur, as well as testicular inflammation in men, miscarriage during the first trimester in pregnant women, and possible deafness in one or both ears.
For more information on Mumps and other preventable diseases, click on THIS LINK. You can also call the Communicable Disease hotline at 231-922-2718.
