Two more mumps cases on the Big Island were confirmed. ADVERTISING Two more mumps cases on the Big Island were confirmed. The state Department of Health said in a statement Friday that 18 new cases of highly contagious mumps were
Two more mumps cases on the Big Island were confirmed.
The state Department of Health said in a statement Friday that 18 new cases of highly contagious mumps were confirmed in the state.
Twelve are on Oahu, two on the Big Island and four on Kauai, bringing the total number of cases this year to 172 statewide. Previously, there was only one case of mumps confirmed on the Big Island.
Adults born in or after 1957 are advised to get a measles, mumps and rubella vaccination. Those who got just one dose are recommended to get a second.
Two doses are 88 percent effective in preventing mumps.
Vaccination is normally first given between the ages of 12 to 15 months, the second between ages 4 and 6.
In light of the outbreak, health officials recommend kids ages 1-4 should get the second dose now.
