Whatcom County confirms rare case of mumps in person recently out of country
For the first time in seven years, a Whatcom County resident has a confirmed case of mumps.
The case presents no risk to the general public, according to a statement from Whatcom County. Health officials have contacted people who may have been exposed.
The resident who contracted the virus is an adult who has not required hospitalization, according to county officials. The person recently was on a cruise ship outside the U.S., where exposure to the virus may have occurred.
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine can help protect against the mumps virus.
“This case highlights the continued importance of staying up to date on routine vaccinations like MMR,” Whatcom County Co-Health Officer Dr. Meghan Lelonek said in the statement. “Vaccines help prevent serious illness and limit the spread in our community.”
Symptoms from mumps can include fever, puffy cheeks and tender/swollen jaw, muscle aches, headaches, tiredness and loss of appetite. It can take 16-18 days for symptoms to appear.
In most cases, people recover from mumps in about two weeks. However severe complications can occur, such as hearing loss and inflammation of the testicles, ovaries, breast tissue, pancreas, brain and the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord.
Mumps can spread between people through coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks or being in contact with infected people for an extended period of time.
According to the county, people should have two doses of the vaccine. The first dose is usually given to children around 12 to 15 months old, and the second between 4 and 6 years old. However, adults can also be given the vaccine, and if people are unsure if they’re vaccinated, they should reach out to their health care provider.
There is no treatment for mumps other than the management of symptoms, meaning the vaccine is the best form of protection, according to the Whatcom County statement.
The vaccine is available at most local pharmacies. Whatcom County Health and Community Services operates a clinic that provides vaccines by appointment at monthly clinics for children age 18 and younger.
Whatcom County has more information on where to get vaccinated as a child or adult on their website under “immunizations.”
This story was originally published May 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Whatcom County confirms rare case of mumps in person recently out of country."
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