Mumps case confirmed in Anchorage
One confirmed case of mumps has been reported in Anchorage, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services announced on Thursday.
According to health officials, the patient has not traveled recently, but they may have contracted the virus after hosting a relative who was "visiting from abroad" last month.
"The patient is known to have received one dose of mumps vaccine," DHSS wrote in a press release. "Alaska healthcare providers should be alert to cases of suspected mumps. This is a good time for everyone to review their vaccination history to ensure they are up to date."
Symptoms of mumps include puffy cheeks and swollen salivary glands around the jaw as well as fever, headache, muscle ache, fatigue and loss of appetite. Health officials say mumps is a contagious, vaccine preventable viral illness.
More information on mumps and the necessary vaccines can be found
on the Section of Epidemiology’s webpage.
