As the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) continues to investigate a growing number of mumps cases in the Central Ohio area, the agency reminds Ohioans that vaccinations are the most effective way to prevent illness from vaccine-preventable diseases, including mumps. Mumps is a contagious disease that is spread person to person through the saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat of an infected person, usually when that person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Given this outbreak, to ensure that you and those around you are protected from mumps, ODH encourages individuals who are considered at high risk of mumps – those who have not received any doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and those who have received only one dose of MMR – to get vaccinated.
“Immunization is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family from vaccine-preventable diseases,” said ODH State Epidemiologist Dr. Mary DiOrio. “In addition, to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, such as mumps, wash your hands often, cover your cough, and stay home when you are ill.”
ODH supports the vaccine recommendations set forth by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These recommendations include vaccination schedules for when individuals (children and adults) should receive their vaccinations. To access the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended immunization schedules, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/index.html.
Ohioans are encouraged to consult with their health care provider if they have questions regarding their immunization status.
For more information about mumps, visit the ODH website at www.odh.ohio.gov.
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