The number of mumps cases in King County has increased to 108, including 87 in Auburn, according to Public Health Seattle & King County.
Of those cases, 35 have been confirmed, 73 are probable.
Seventy-two mumps cases have been found in children age 17 and younger. Sixty-four percent of the cases reportedly were up to date with Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccination.
Known cities of residence with cases of the mumps include five in Kent, four in Federal Way, three in Pacific, two in Covington and Seattle, and one each in Algona, Renton, Bellevue, Black Diamond and Des Moines.
On Thursday, Seattle Public Schools reported one confirmed case of the mumps. Federal Way Public Schools and Kent School District each have one case and the remaining cases are school-aged children in the Auburn School District.
ASD notified families that children won’t be allowed to return to school until they have at least one dose of the MMR vaccination. Without proof of that, the district will not allow children to return to school for at least 25 days after the last mumps case in ASD is resolved.
The health department advises that there may be cases unrecognized in other schools in the county, as well as in the community in general, and all families need to take precautions:
• Please do not have your child attend school when sick with mumps symptoms (fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and swollen cheeks or jaw);
• see a health care provider if those symptoms develop, and
• be up-to-date on MMR vaccine.
“We strive to provide timely and accurate information to our families,” the Auburn School District said in a news release. “Please be aware our schools are taking universal precautions to support your child’s healthy classrooms. We will continue to keep you informed as Public Health – Seattle & King County continues to keep us updated. Thank you for supporting our school community.”
If families have any questions or concerns about a child’s health, they are urged to contact their health care providers.
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