Some 60 cases of mumps are reported in eastern Iowa in recent weeks, about half in college students in Iowa City and Cedar Falls, with more cases in Davenport and Dubuque. Now, mumps has appeared in western Iowa.
The Shelby County Public Health Department says two cases of mumps have been reported in the county — the first cases of the disease in western Iowa. County Public Health Nurse Calla Poldberg encourages residents of the county to check their immunization records.
She says it’s a self-limiting disease that eventually runs its course with few major complications though some people may experience severe symptoms as with any viral infection.
Poldberg urges Iowans who may be sick with mumps, or something else, to not spread it to others. She says if you’re sick, stay home from work or school to limit contact. Poldberg says antibiotics are useless against mumps, because mumps is a viral infection. The only treatment is the standard “prescription” for most illnesses — bed rest and plenty of fluids.
Mumps goes away on its own within about ten days, though Poldberg says you should still see a doctor right away if you show any symptoms of mumps.