Mumps Outbreak Expands To More NJ Counties, Report Says

NEW JERSEY - Eleven total mumps cases have been reported across four New Jersey counties since January, according to a new report.

Eight suspected cases tied to international travel were documented in Hunterdon County last week, Patch previously reported. The three other 2024 cases were reported in three different counties, according to NJ.com. In January, one case each was reported in Hudson and Ocean counties. In February, one case tied to international travel was reported in Somerset County, the outlet added.

"With these cases of vaccine-preventable diseases across the state and country, NJDOH is urging individuals, especially parents, guardians, and caregivers, to be aware of the symptoms of these highly contagious viruses and to stay up to date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shots," the New Jersey Department of Health said.

One case of measles — another virus that can be prevented by the same vaccine as that for the mumps virus — has been confirmed in the Garden State, according to officials.

Children are recommended to receive two doses of MMR, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months old, and the second dose at 4 to 6 years old, according to officials.

Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston added that since the viruses are "incredibly contagious," you should call physicians ahead if you suspect you may have been infected.

The number of suspected mumps cases this year is approaching 2023’s total figure. Out of 13 cases reported by the New Jersey Department of Health, four were reported in Passaic County, five were reported in Monmouth County, two in Middlesex County, one in Essex County and one in Camden County, NJ.com added.

Eight mumps cases were reported in 2022 and seven were reported in 2021.

A New Jersey Department of Health request for comment from Patch was not immediately returned.

Symptoms of mumps can start with fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite, officials said. Later, it appears as a swelling of the salivary glands or puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. Swollen glands can include swelling of brain, testicles, ovaries, or breast tissue, which can cause complications such as brain inflammation, deafness, or infertility later in life, according to officials.

For measles, symptoms appear about one to two weeks after exposure and start as a high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery or red eyes, according to officials. Three to five days after the initial symptoms, a measles rash appears. Measles can also cause neurologic or brain complications for people later in life, officials said.

Symptoms for rubella are mild and are similar to measles, but rubella can be very dangerous for pregnant people and can cause birth defects, miscarriage, or death for babies shortly after birth, according to officials.