Mumps cases in Texas spike, no reports in El Paso

In April, the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed there was a surge in mumps cases in south Texas.

The state is experiencing the highest incidence of mumps in 22 years, according to its website.

One investigation revealed that at laest 13 people contracted mumps after traveling to South Padre Island in March during Spring Break.

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Its symptoms include a few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite, followed by swollen salivary glands.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mumps is contagious and can be transmitted by having close contact with a person who has mumps, drinking for the same cup, playing on the same sports team, or living in the same dormitory.

Jose Luis Salas, Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Del So Medical Center said mumps is common among college students who live together.

“That’s where we have pockets of those that are not immunized,” Salas said.

Salas added the best way to protect oneself is to keep up with vaccinations like the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR).

Last month, ABC News reported a surge in mumps cases across the nation resulting in 5,748 cases. In 2015, only 229 cases were reported.

The El Paso Health Department said the last case of the mumps reported in the county was in 2009.

For more information on the mumps, click here.