COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is asking health care providers to be on alert for potential exposures to mumps, particularly in Hillsdale County. They say the suspect case took place in an out-of-state camper who was attending a local camp. It’s the first Hillsdale County case of the mumps since 2008.
Mumps is a highly contagious illness spread by contact with an infected person through coughing, sneezing, sharing utensils and other personal contact.
Symptoms include headaches, loss of appetite and a low grade fever. Infections with the mumps virus may also present with severe abdominal pain or pelvic pain. While mumps is usually a mild disease, there could be complications.
Health officials say you should check your immunization status with your health care provider.
Doctors are being asked to notify the health department of any suspect cases.
People who have mumps or are suspected of having mumps should notify their physician and follow medical directions.
There is no treatment for mumps, only supportive care such as bed rest, fluids and fever reducing medications.
