COLUMBUS, Ohio – Public health officials tracking a growing outbreak of mumps in central Ohio say most of the cases confirmed so far are linked to Ohio State University.
As of 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, 116 mumps cases have been reported in Franklin County; 93 cases have been linked to the OSU outbreak. – Source: Columbus Public Health
Columbus Public Health is offering vaccines on a walk-in basis at its offices, 240 Parsons Avenue.
Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Wednesdays 8:00 a.m.-Noon.
Vaccines are provided on a sliding fee scale.
The total number of confirmed cases rose to 111 as of Monday, according to Columbus Public Health spokesman Jose Rodriguez, 72 of those being Ohio State students and 9 staff members.
Those with the viral infection range in age from 4 to 58. The cases span from January to late last week.
Health officials urge residents to make sure they have received two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella, or MMR, vaccine. Rodriguez says people born before 1987 are likely to have received just one or no MMR doses and should also be vaccinated.
Mumps often starts with fever, fatigue and body aches. Those infected are urged to stay home for a few days, cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, and frequently wash their hands.