Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan has confirmed that a case of mumps has been diagnosed in Shelby County this week. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the symptoms of mumps can take from 12 to 25 days to appear and include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite and swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides. Some patients may have no symptoms or those that are so mild that they are unaware they are infected with the illness. Mumps is contagious and can be spread through coughing, sneezing or talking, sharing of items and touching objects or surfaces with unwashed hands. Most people will recovery completely in a few weeks. Myrtue Medical Center is urging anyone with additional questions to contact the Shelby County Public Health Department at 712-755-4422.
