Central Ohio Mumps Outbreak Grows To 111 Cases

Public health officials tracking a growing outbreak of mumps in central Ohio say four-fifths of the cases confirmed so far are linked to Ohio State University. Health officials for Columbus and surrounding Franklin County said the total was 111 cases as of Monday. Seventy-two of those infected by the viral illness are Ohio State students, and nine are staff members. Those infected range in age from 4 to 58. The cases span from January to late last week. Health officials urge residents to make sure they have received two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, or MMR. Mumps often starts with fever, fatigue and body aches. Those infected are urged to stay home for a few days, cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, and frequently wash their hands.