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Mumps Outbreak at Cedar Hill High School in Dallas County With Additional Cases Under Investigation

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A major mumps outbreak has hit one Dallas County, Texas school hard as 23 students as well as some staff have recently been diagnosed over the past three weeks. And Cedar Hill High School’s number of mumps cases may be on the rise as nine additional cases are now under investigation.

Mumps Outbreak at Cedar Hill High School in Dallas County With Additional Cases Under Investigation

Photo: Facebook/Walmart Parsons

Zach Thompson, Dallas County Health Director, has told CBS DFW that all diagnosed students have had their two doses of mumps-containing vaccine. “We may be dealing with the fact that the vaccine has waned and we will be dealing with a third dose recommendation in the future.” The number of cases now seen in Dallas County is more than were documented in all of last year.

Mumps Outbreak at Cedar Hill High School in Dallas County With Additional Cases Under Investigation

Photo: Facebook/National Vaccine Information Center

When asked what may be contributing to the outbreak, Thompson stated that there may be additional factors. “…we are also seeing a number of kids who are unvaccinated, so this may be contributing to the mumps outbreak that we’re seeing throughout North Texas, as well as throughout the United States…” An increase in the mumps across North Texas over recent months has led to the confirmation of 70 such cases.

Mumps Outbreak at Cedar Hill High School in Dallas County With Additional Cases Under Investigation

Photo: Facebook/Ken Scates

Spread through the saliva or mucus, the mumps can be contracted from as far as six feet away through a cough or a sneeze from an infected person. Symptoms of the illness include puffy cheeks and swollen and painful salivary glands, possibly accompanied by a fever, aches, and fatigue. Many people recover from the mumps within a number of weeks, however, there is presently no treatment for the illness.

Source:

CBS DFW