Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG – Local health authorities report one confirmed case of the mumps and five possible mumps cases that are under investigation.
Mumps is a contagious virus that causes fever, muscle aches, headache, loss of appetite, and swelling of the salivary glands, which can include the jaw and neck area. Other glands can swell or become tender, most notably adult males may experience swollen or tender testicles.
The confirmed case is a University of Texas Rio Grande Valley student, but it is believed that the source of the virus is not the university, said Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Director Eduardo “Eddie” Olivarez.
Olivarez also confirmed that the illness was not generated by the county’s immigrant community.
Area physicians and health care workers have been alerted to test for mumps in patients showing symptoms. Complications or other presentations are rare and usually mild.
People who are vaccinated may still contract the mumps but will have milder symptoms. Mumps is a preventable illness when the population is vaccinated, said Olivarez.
If you suspect you have the mumps, you are encouraged to be tested by your physician. People who are not vaccinated should get the vaccine.
“If you are unsure of your vaccination status, please see your physician for evaluation,” said Olivarez.
