FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) — The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) reports there are 1,230 mumps cases under investigation as of Thursday (Nov. 10).
A bit more than a month ago, October 11, ADH reported 492 suspected cases — an increase of 738.
The viral disease is mainly in four counties — Benton, Madison, Washington, and Pulaski.
The ADH website states that this is an active outbreak, “mumps case counts are provisional and include cases that are currently being investigated.”
Because the number is provisional, it’s possible for the number to decrease if lab results come up negative for mumps.
There are 21 workplaces, three public and two private schools that are impacted.
The health department said a majority of cases are among school-aged children.
The affected school districts and the number of schools with cases are: Fayetteville (2); Rogers (3); Springdale (26); private schools (2).
In a press release on Wednesday (Nov. 9), the Fayetteville School District reported a confirmed case of the mumps at Fayetteville High School.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), mumps is a viral illness that is transmitted by direct contact with respiratory droplets or saliva from an infected person.
It is best known for painful, swollen salivary glands that show up as puffy cheeks and swollen jaw.
Boys may also have painful, swollen testicles.
Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscles aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
There is no treatment, and symptoms usually resolve themselves within a few weeks.
Mumps is usually a mild disease in children, but adults may have more serious disease with complications.
