Last month, over 24,000 people gathered in the Convention Center in Dallas for an international cheerleading competition. All of these people just received letters saying they may have been exposed to Mumps over the weekend due to the recent evidence that one of the competitors recently came down with the virus. The virus is spread through saliva and mucus so it is hard to say who may have been infected. The good news is, while there is not a treatment for Mumps, it is generally not a very serious viral infection and presents itself in a fever, headaches, and swollen cheeks.
Most people are vaccinated against Mumps in the MMR vaccine. However, the efficacy of the vaccine can decrease over time. The cheerleaders who have already received two doses are being advised to get another booster vaccine within the next few days just for cautionary measures. For, while Chris Van Deusen of the Texas Department of State Health Services states that "For the vast majority of people, the risk is very, very low," there is still the possibility of severe infections of encephalitis. Additionally, Mumps can easily spread to immunocompromised individuals causing even worse infection. Whether or not this virus will spread to other states or even countries is not yet certain, but over the next few days keep your eyes out for a story in the news suggesting more people are showing signs of infection!
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cheerleaders-warned-about-mumps-exposure-after-national-competition-n854571
- Alexandra
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