Health district checking possible cases of mumps

The Spokane Regional Health District is investigating four possible cases of mumps in the Cheney area, a health district spokeswoman said Thursday.

“Unfortunately, we won’t know until tests come back whether it is confirmed or not,” said Julie Graham, public information officer for the health district.

A sample from one of the patients has been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which will test for mumps and potentially match the virus with the strain now causing the nation’s worst mumps outbreak in 20 years.

Three other possible cases were reported by a health care provider, but those patients have not yet been identified by the health district.

More than 1,200 cases have been reported in at least eight states. Most of those cases are in Iowa.

Out of three suspected cases of mumps in Idaho, tests have ruled out two, including one in North Idaho, said Susan Cuff, public information officer for the Panhandle Health District. Tests are pending on the other case.

Symptoms of mumps include fever, headache and swollen glands under the jaw.

The disease, which can be spread by coughing and sneezing, is rarely serious but can lead to meningitis, infertility and hearing loss.

Though measles-mumps-rubella vaccinations are required for children to attend school in Washington state, the vaccine may not be effective for up to 10 percent of the population. Others may not have completed the two-part series of shots.

Vaccine is available at the health district offices or doctors’ offices.