The Kane County Health Department is seeing increases in mumps cases in northern Illinois and offering advice to keep your family safe.

In some years, there are more cases than usual because of outbreaks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the measles, mumps rubella vaccine prevents most, but not all, cases of mumps.

Outbreaks can still occur in highly vaccinated U.S. communities, particularly in close-contact settings. However, high vaccination coverage helps limit the size, duration, and spread of mumps outbreaks. Click this link to learn more about the vaccination.

“The mumps vaccine is still the best way to protect your child against mumps,” he Health Department said. “Talk to your healthcare professional or check your child’s immunization records to ensure the mumps vaccine is up to date. Protect your family and yourself with the mumps vaccine.”

In addition to ensuring you and your family are up to date with your vaccinations, other steps you can take to prevent the spread of mumps are:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and put your used tissue in the trash can. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, tables, counters.

More information about mumps is available on the CDC website.

SOURCE: Kane Health Matters e-newsletter. VISIT THIS PAGE TO SUBSCRIBE!