CABOT, Ark. (KTHV) -- Monday, the Arkansas Department of Health confirmed a new case of the mumps virus in the Cabot school district.
“I don’t think people should fear this virus,” said Dr. Gary Wheeler, Chief Medical Officer with the Arkansas Department of Health, “it is very much an annoyance.”
Wheeler said this is the second biggest outbreak in the United States in the last two decades. And out of the 2500 cases confirmed, majority have been among school aged children.
“What we’re experiencing with mumps is really unprecedented for the last 20-30 years in Arkansas.”
Cabot Middle School North now joins 29 other schools, in eight school districts. According to the ADH, as of today there are 2,491 mumps cases. 29 workplaces, one college/vocational school, and one private school precede Cabot Middle School North with the issue.
“We’re going to continue to see cases, one or two cases.” Although the virus is slowly, but surely slowing down, Dr. Wheeler encourages parents to make sure kids are washing their hands regularly.
“And be cautious of interacting with people who have a runny nose; keep an arms distance. That’s really the best way to do it.”
He also said the virus is not as infectious as things like chicken pox or the measles, but it remains transmittable.
ADH noted symptoms to include things like fever, body aches, and swelling around the jaw are usually signs of infection. All kids greater than five should have two vaccinations, according to ADH.
We reached out to Cabot School District, but they declined to comment, pointing to a letter sent to parents for information. View that letter here.
The Arkansas Department of Health provides daily updates on cases in the state, that info can be found on their website.