Mumps cases in central Ohio more than in all of United States in 2013
6/25/2014COLUMBUS — Reported mumps cases in the ongoing central Ohio outbreak have surpassed the total number of nationwide cases in 2013, according to Columbus Public Health officials.
A total of 439 mumps cases have been reported in Columbus and Franklin, Madison, and Delaware counties this year, surpassing the 438 cases reported in the United States last year.
It’s the largest outbreak in the area since 1979, when 926 cases were reported in Columbus and Franklin County and four were reported in Madison County.
The magnitude and spread of mumps in the area this year show that the recent cases are “not just a small, little outbreak,” said Dr. Mysheika Williams Roberts, medical director and assistant health commissioner at Columbus Public Health.
Despite the high numbers and continued reports of cases, Dr. Roberts said the outbreak likely is on a downturn.
Still, Dr. Roberts said updating vaccinations and avoiding contact with others when ill are the best ways to keep the outbreak under control.