The Hawaii Department of Health has confirmed a case of mumps involving an individual on Hawaii Island. Officials stated this particular case seems to have originated locally rather than from travel, which raises concerns that mumps might be spreading in the community. They are currently collaborating with the affected person’s family and healthcare providers to trace close contacts and contain the situation, though they didn’t specify the person’s age due to privacy guidelines.
It’s worth mentioning that the individual attended an event at Harold H. Higashihara Park in Kailua-Kona from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on September 25. Anyone who was present during that time should reach out to the health department for advice and keep an eye on their health through October 20, which is 25 days post-exposure. If anyone starts showing symptoms, they’re advised to isolate for five days after those symptoms appear. Importantly, they should avoid contact with infants, pregnant individuals, and anyone with a compromised immune system.
For suspected mumps cases, it’s a good idea to call ahead before going to a clinic or hospital to prevent further exposure to others.
Mumps is a contagious viral illness that spreads via actions like coughing, sneezing, and sharing items like utensils or cups. Symptoms usually arise 12 to 25 days after being exposed and can include swollen salivary glands, fever, headaches, fatigue, and a loss of appetite—essentially, a rather uncomfortable experience.
There’s no specific treatment for mumps, and care mainly focuses on rest, hydration, and reducing fever. While most individuals recover fully, some may experience serious complications, like inflammation of the reproductive organs, pancreatitis, or even meningitis—seriously concerning stuff.
“Even one case of mumps is alarming due to the virus’s ease of spread,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. She urges residents to check their vaccination status and ensure that they and their families have received both doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
Children should get two doses of this vaccine before reaching age 6, and adults born in or after 1957 should either have vaccination records or a blood test proving immunity. Some adults, especially those at higher risk, may need an additional dose.
Hawaii faced a major outbreak of mumps from March 2017 to October 2018, recording over a thousand cases, mainly on Oahu, but also in Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii counties.
