By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – McLean County health officials are reminding the public to watch for symptoms of mumps as the virus has reappeared in the county.
The McLean County Health Department reports four new mumps cases and several others are being tested for the viral illness. Spokeswoman Lisa Slater said anyone who contracts the mumps has to isolate themselves for five days.
She said even someone who is vaccinated can come down with the mumps, though you should be up to date on the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. She also recommends avoiding close contact with anyone who was sick, avoiding sharing drinks, eating utensils and cigarettes, washing your hands often and cleaning surfaces you touch frequently.
Symptoms of mumps include achy muscles, loss of appetite, headache, low-grade fever and general discomfort.
Anyone unsure of their vaccination status can make an appointment at the health department, or with their healthcare provider, to have a mumps titer test done to test for immunity to mumps.
To schedule an MMR vaccination or a titer test at the McLean County Health Department, call (309) 888-5435. The health department accepts both private and public health insurance.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
