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Midwest preparing for possible mumps epidemic

Infection Control Monitor, April 7, 2006

The nation's largest mumps outbreak in 17 years has Midwest health officials prepared for more occurrences, the Portage Daily Register reports. Iowa health officials reported over 200 mumps cases over the weekend from a breakout that started in eastern Iowa and is moving west. Mumps, a non-lethal but very contagious viral infection, usually spreads through saliva by sneezes and coughs. People infected are contagious from three days before symptoms develop to four days after they end, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms include a fever up to 103 degrees, headaches, loss of appetite, swollen face and cheeks, and difficulty talking, chewing, and swallowing. The illness lasts about 10-12 days, after which individuals are usually immune to future exposure.

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