State investigating mumps outbreak after Wilmington dance

State health officials are investigating a mumps outbreak last month in Delaware after confirming three cases in residents who attended a Mexican dance. 

Mumps is a viral infection that can spread through saliva or mucus, health officials said. It can easily spread by coughing, sneezing or talking.

Since 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has seen a substantial increase in the number of mumps outbreaks in the U.S. 

A study released Wednesday by Harvard researchers found that the outbreaks might be because of the vaccine's waning effectiveness. Researchers recommended a booster shot at age 18 to help avoid future outbreaks. 

FLU:State confirms 31st flu death this season

State health officials are asking people who attended Baile Mejicano on Feb. 10 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington to contact their primary care physician about testing for mumps. The health department has also alerted the Delaware medical community. 

Not everyone with mumps experiences symptoms, which include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite. These symptoms are then followed by swollen salivary glands, which can lead to puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw. 

Symptoms typically occur 16 to 18 days after the infection. There is no specific treatment for mumps, health officials said.  

While most people with the infection recover in a couple weeks, mumps can lead to serious complications. This includes inflammation of testicles, ovaries, breast tissue, the brain and tissue covering the brain and spinal cord. It can also lead to deafness.

HEALTH:How to find a doctor: 9 qualities doctors look for in their own physician

People who have the condition, or believe they have it, should stay home from work or school until five days after first feeling swollen glands, health officials said.

The CDC recommends children receive two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, starting at 12 to 15 months and then at 4 to 6 years old. 

For those who are in need of a vaccine, New Castle County residents should call the Hudson State Service Center Immunization Clinic at (302) 283-7587, Kent County residents should call the Kent County Immunization Clinic at (302) 857-5140, and those in Sussex County should call the Georgetown Immunization Clinic at (302) 515-3220. 

To report suspected mumps cases, call (302) 744-4990 or email reportdisease@state.de.us. 

Contact Meredith Newman at 302-324-2386 or at mnewman@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter at @merenewman.