Job Corps Center hit by mumps case

MOSES LAKE — Mumps has arrived in Grant County.

The Grant County Health District has confirmed one case of mumps among students at the Columbia Basin Job Corps Center, and suspect two more probable cases as well.

“Washington is dealing with an outbreak of mumps, several counties have seen quick increases,” said Theresa Adkinson, the administrator of the Grant County Health District. “We’re working with the nursing staff of the Job Corps, and we’re waiting and looking for symptoms.”

Adkinson said the three students have been isolated so that health officials can control the situation and prevent a major outbreak.

Columbia Basin Job Corps was unable to respond to requests for comment.

According to the Washington Department of Health, there were 278 confirmed cases of mumps in Washington as of last week, with 160 of those in King County and 80 in Spokane.

Mumps is a swelling of the salivary glands, specifically those in the lower jaw, caused by a virus. The disease can be uncomfortable and painful, but most people recover without any difficulty, Adkinson said. However, some adults can suffer some serious complications from mumps, including hearing loss and brain damage.

Adkinson said the best way to control the speed of the disease is to get the MMR — mumps, measles, and rubella — vaccine. One dose is recommended for pre-schoolers and low-risk adults, and two are recommended for school-age children and health care workers.

“We’re doing the best we can to keep this under control, but the best thing to do is check your vaccination records, so we can protect those who cannot be vaccinated,” Adkinson said.

There is no treatment for mumps, Adkinson said, except to try and make patients as comfortable as possible. Anyone who suspects they might have the disease should stay home for five days after the onset of symptoms.

People should also call ahead when they schedule a medical appointment, Adkinson added, so that health care workers can take precautions and minimize the risk to others.

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached via email at countygvt@columbiabasinherald.com.