The Central Ohio mumps outbreak stemming back to January has ended, according to a Friday release from Columbus Public Health.
Less than one case of mumps has been reported per week for seven consecutive weeks in the Columbus-area, the release said. The most recent case of the mumps was reported on Sept. 2.
There were 484 total cases of the mumps reported in the outbreak. Of those cases, 255 were linked to the Ohio State outbreak, the first of which was reported Feb. 10.
The number of cases reported in the Central Ohio outbreak surpassed the 438 reported cases in the U.S. in 2013.
“We are pleased that the central Ohio mumps outbreak has been resolved, but it’s important to remember that a new outbreak can occur at any time and without warning,” said Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long in a released statement.
Long said it’s important to make sure people receive two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine to stay protected.
Mumps is a viral disease that infects the salivary glands, causing them to swell. It also can cause fevers, headaches, muscle aches and a loss of appetite, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
