Central Ohio Mumps Outbreak Tops All US Cases Last Year

Health officials say the number of mumps cases in a central Ohio outbreak has exceeded the total cases reported nationwide last year. Local health officials said Tuesday that they've tallied 439 cases of the contagious viral illness in Franklin, Delaware and Madison counties. That's one more than the total reported throughout the United States in 2013. Roughly half of the Ohio cases have been linked Ohio State University. The illnesses date to early January. Mumps often starts with fever, fatigue and body aches. Those infected are urged to stay home, cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, and frequently wash their hands. Health officials have urged people to ensure they've received two doses of the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella. Ohio also has a separate measles outbreak.