According to a Healio.com news report, public health officials in Arkansas have confirmed over 500 cases of mumps — the largest ever outbreak recorded in the state.
As of October 18, a total of 551 cases are under investigation, according to a state report. The majority of those cases (361) are for children aged 5-17 years old.
From the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) report:
There are currently 16 workplaces and 4 school districts and 2 private schools impacted.
The majority of cases are among school aged children; therefore, ADH has targeted its outbreak response to minimizing transmission within the impacted schools.
ADH is requiring students who have a Mumps, Measles, and Rubella (MMR)vaccine exemption to be excluded from school for 26 days from whichever is longer.
More information is available on the Arkansas Department of Health website.
