What is mumps, how is it transmitted and do I really need to worry about it?
Dave’s Answer: First off, so we’re clear, here’s some important information from a recent story (entitled CDC: Mumps Cases Swell) on the so-called Mumps Epidemic: “The nation’s first mumps epidemic in nearly 20 years is taking hold in the Midwest and has reached Kansas and Nebraska. “Iowa has been hardest hit this year, with reported cases shooting up from five per year to 515 possible cases so far this year. Six neighboring states also have reported mumps, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “As of Monday, Kansas had reported 33 cases, Nebraska, 43; Minnesota, one; Missouri, four; Wisconsin, four; and Illinois, four.” So it’s possible that the use of the word “epidemic” might be a bit rash (pardon the pun) it is still a bit troubling and worth concern if you or your children are frequently in confined spaces with a lot of other people (think college lecture halls and preschools): “The CDC and state health departments are working together to investigate the Iow
