County Lifts Mumps Restrictions At Bergen Jail

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Officials have lifted restrictions put in place at the Bergen County Jail following days of monitoring after five cases of mumps were reported there earlier this month.

The Bergen County Department of Health Services (DHS) and the jail's medical director consulted with the state Department of Health before the restrictions were lifted.

The county sheriff's office and the health department will continue to monitor the jail for signs of mumps.

Five cases of mumps were confirmed at the jail earlier this month. The jail was placed on lock down after five inmates were quarantined with what was then suspected cases of mumps. Other inmates were screened for the disease.

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose, or throat, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states on its website.

The DHS recommends people get the MMR vaccine to protect themselves and others against mumps, officials said.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com