Mumps Outbreak Springs Up Among Attendees of Mexican Dance Events in Delaware

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has launched an investigation into a mumps outbreak that sprung up among attendees of 2 Mexican dance events in New Castle County and Wilmington.

As of March 28, 2018, the DPH has confirmed a total of 11 cases of mumps associated with the outbreak. Of the 11 confirmed cases, 7 either attended or lived with individuals who attended a Mexican Dance on February 10, 2018, that was held at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. The DPH has identified an eighth individual who was working at a different social dance event held in the same location on March 3, 2018. The source for the other 3 individuals has yet to be identified.

Health division spokesperson, Sean Dooley, told Newsweek that about 2000 individuals attended the first event, while about 1500 individuals attended the second dance. According to Dooley, there were only 2 such dances.

“With a confirmed case of mumps showing up in someone involved in a second—more recent—social dance in such a short period of time, we are stepping up our outreach to attendees, whether or not they developed symptoms, and those living with persons who are confirmed to have mumps, to contact their primary care provider as soon as possible for evaluation for mumps and vaccination where recommended,” Dr. Awele Maduka-Ezeh, DPH medical director said in a recent statement.

Meanwhile, health officials in Chester and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania are investigating other mumps cases that may be linked with the Delaware dances, according to The Times Herald.

Mumps is incredibly contagious, but it can be prevented with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that children receive 2 doses of the vaccine, with the first dose administered at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose given at 4 to 6 years of age.

“We can prevent further spread of the disease through vaccination,” DPH director Dr. Karyl Rattay said in a statement.

To stay up-to-date on the most recent case counts associated with the mumps outbreak, be sure to check out the Contagion® Outbreak Monitor.