SANTA FE, NM – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is investigating six mumps cases with ages ranging from seven to 41 years in Bernalillo County. Mumps is a highly contagious disease that is typically preventable through vaccination. Two doses of MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) are recommended. All New Mexico residents should be vaccinated against mumps. If you need to be immunized, see your healthcare provider.

Mumps is spread through the air and by droplets of saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat of an infected person, usually when the person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be spread through shared use of drinks, cups, or eating utensils. In addition, the virus may spread when someone with mumps touches an item or surface without washing their hands and someone else touches the same surface and rubs their mouth or nose. If you were exposed to mumps, you could become ill 12 to 25 days later. Some people who get mumps have very mild or no symptoms, and often they do not know they have the disease.

“We are encouraging health care providers to be on the lookout for additional mumps cases,” said Department of Health Secretary Kathy Kunkel. “If people start experiencing mumps-like symptoms, they should contact their doctor.

Symptoms of mumps include:

Swollen and tender salivary glands under the ear or jaw on one or both sides of the faceFeverHeadacheMuscle aches

If you develop these symptoms, stay home and contact your healthcare provider. Do not go to work or school until five days after the onset of swollen and tender salivary glands, or until symptoms go away-whichever is later. Contact your health care provider before seeking medical care so as not to expose others to mumps in the waiting room.

Clinicians who suspect mumps should consult with NMDOH. New Mexico residents with questions about mumps you can contact the Department of Health through the Epidemiology and Response Division in Santa Fe at (505) 827-0006.