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Mumps in Washington State
During 1998–2005, the Washington State Department
of Health (DOH) received between 0 and 11 reports of
mumps infections per year. A large outbreak of mumps
originating in the Midwest in December 2005 spread to nine
other states during 2006. Because of increased awareness of
mumps during 2006, DOH received over 150 reports of possible
mumps, and laboratory testing for mumps - polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) and serologic assay - was initiated at DOH
Public Health Laboratories (PHL). In October 2006, CDC
requested a strict interpretation of the case
definition be used (MMWR 2006;55(42):1152–53) which included
reporting any previously immunized person with 2 or more
days of parotitis as a probable case. Using these guidelines, 42
reports of confirmed and probable mumps were identified in
2006, though none were linked to the outbreak in the
Midwest.
Purpose of Reporting and
Surveillance
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To assess the burden of mumps in
Washington.
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To identify cases and prevent
further spread from cases by recommending appropriate
preventive measures, including exclusion.
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To educate potentially exposed
individuals about signs and symptoms of disease, thereby
facilitating early diagnosis and reducing the risk of
further transmission.
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To identify and vaccinate
susceptible individuals.
Legal Reporting Requirements
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Health care providers: notifiable to
local health jurisdiction within 3 work days.
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Hospitals: notifiable to local
health jurisdiction within 3 work days.
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Laboratories: no requirements for
reporting.
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Local health jurisdictions:
notifiable to the Washington State Department of Health
Communicable Disease Epidemiology Section within 7 days of
case investigation completion or summary information
required within 21 days.
Last
update
December 2007 |
