Officials added that the cases are related to an outbreak at Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska. New cases have been reported by Cass, Douglas, Dodge, Hall, Madison and Platte counties in the past week.
DHHS is now working with the local health departments involved to investigate these cases.
Mumps is an illness caused by a highly contagious virus and this outbreak is ongoing with potential for further spread,” said Dr. Tom Safranek, State Epidemiologist for DHHS.
“If people start experiencing mumps-like symptoms, they should contact their health care provider, and health care providers should be on the lookout for mumps cases."
Officials say that mumps is spread by coughing, sneezing and sharing saliva. People with mumps are most contagious for the three days before and five days after their symptoms begin.
To prevent the spread of mumps:
- Always cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
- Wash hands frequently
- Dispose of used tissues and other similar objects appropriately
- Do not share glasses, eating utensils, water bottles, etc.
Do not share glasses, eating utensils, water bottles, etc.Mumps causes swelling of glands in the face and neck. Symptoms may include:
- Ear ache
- Jaw pain
- Testicular pain
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
For people with symptoms, health officials recommend avoiding public activities and contacting a physician.
For more information on Mumps, go to cdc.gov/mumps/ or visit the Nebraska Local Department's website.
