“Keystone Resort has been fully cooperating and closely coordinating with Summit County Public Health to support affected employees and protect all staff and the public.” –Summit County Public Health.
The Colorado Department of Health and Environment has confirmed a cluster of three mumps cases among employees who work together at Keystone Ski Resort. CBS Denver reports health officials advise there is minimal risk to members of the public who have visited the ski area but people may want to check their vaccine status to ensure they are protected against mumps.
The MMR Vaccine, which covers measles, mumps and rubella is considered 88 percent effective at preventing mumps from spreading (adults born before 1957 are generally considered to be immune to mumps and do not need to be vaccinated, but other adults should make sure they have been vaccinated.)
Mumps is a viral infection which causes painful swelling in the glands of the cheek and jaw. Symptoms may also include low-grade fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and headache. About one-third of people who have the virus don’t have symptoms. Rare symptoms can include swollen testicles, meningitis (infection in the spinal fluid), encephalitis (infection in the brain) and loss of hearing.
Mumps is fully contagious and is spread from person to person by contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose or throat. People with mumps can spread the illness to others from two days before symptoms start and for five days after. Most people with mumps recover within two weeks with bed rest, fluids and medications to reduce pain and/or fever.
Health officials are asking people who have symptoms of mumps to consult with their health care provider or call Summit County Public Health at 970-668-9161. For more information about mumps GO HERE.
images from the cdc