The Washington State Department of Health upped its count of mumps cases associated with an ongoing outbreak to 624 on Wednesday. The new count marks a 61-case increase in a single week.
The outbreak began in October 2016, sickening residents in 12 counties and at least a dozen students at the University of Washington in Seattle.
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The mumps is a highly contagious disease known for painful, swollen salivary glands. Additional symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite. Proper vaccination and practicing good hand hygiene can provide protection from the mumps.
To learn more about the mumps, click here.
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