Suspected cases of the mumps have shown up in Whitman County. Public health officials have announced that 4 reported cases of the mumps have appeared locally in the past week. Those suspected mumps cases still need to be confirmed by lab results.
The mumps virus is spread by saliva and respiratory droplets. An infected person is contagious before getting sick. Symptoms of the mumps include swelling of the salivary glands, fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite. Symptoms typically last about a week to 10 days.
Whitman County Public Health officials are asking people who may have the mumps to stay home and see a doctor. To help prevent the spread of the contagious disease remember to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often and avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils.