The latest part of the state to confirm cases of mumps is northwest Iowa. Chuck Cipperly, Deputy Director of the Siouxland District Health Department, says it’s been one of the last regions not reporting any cases during this statewide outbreak.
Cipperly says he didn’t believe the region would “luck out” and not have any cases since there’s at least one in most surrounding communities, and he figured it was just a matter of time. Iowa’s logged 815 cases so far this year, and Nebraska has more than 110 cases of mumps.
Cipperly has advice for those who don’t want to become part of the story. He says to make sure kids are up-to-date on their shots. If children or adults suffer from fatigue, sore throat, or swelling especially of the neck or throat, call the doctor. He recommends anybody who comes down with mumps stay home from school or work so you don’t spread it.
A state health-department spokesman says today’s total of more than 810 cases reflects the continuing spread of the disease and some delays as the paperwork and reporting catch up with the actual number of cases.