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Mumps Cases On The Rise Statewide

Courtesy Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has identified more cases of mumps in the state.

Credit Courtesy Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
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Courtesy Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

There have been 70 reported cases of the mumps in 16 counties across the state. That's an increase of 14 cases in the past two weeks, though none have been in Sedgwick County.

According to KDHE, many cases have been reported by people who attended wrestling tournaments in Kansas. Other cases have associations to the University of Kansas or Kansas State University. Additionally, some of the cases include people who have traveled to other states that are also currently experiencing large mumps outbreaks.

Missouri and Oklahoma have both reported cases of the disease and more than 2,800 people have been diagnosed with mumps in Arkansas.

KDHE is encouraging Kansans to make sure that they are up to date on their immunizations. Anyone who thinks they have the mumps should isolate themselves. The symptoms include headache, fever, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite, and the characteristic swollen salivary glands.

The mumps is a highly contagious disease that can be spread like a cold: sneezing, sharing utensils, and touching infected surfaces.

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Follow Abigail Beckman on Twitter @AbigailKMUW.

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