Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG – Local health authorities report that five of 18 cases under investigation have been confirmed as mumps by one or more laboratory tests.
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. Complications or other presentations are rare and usually mild, said Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Director Eduardo “Eddie” Olivarez.
Thirteen of the suspected cases are epidemiologically linked, which is defined as having had contact with one or more persons who have or had the disease.
Area physicians and health care workers have also 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. If you suspect you have the mumps, you are encouraged to be tested by your physician, said Olivarez. 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.
