Mumps Outbreak In Massachusetts

Health officials in Massachusetts are warning people of an outbreak of mumps.

The Department of Public Health says mumps is on the rise in Massachusetts, with 12 cases reported since the end of March.

The cases all involve adults between the ages of 20-41 and all are from Chelsea, Boston and Revere. Health officials also say the new cases are all among the Latino community.

Though most cases of mumps in Massachusetts are people who have been vaccinated, these new cases are likely people who have never been vaccinated.

Previously mumps typically turned up at universities, but health officials say none of the new cases have have a connection with higher education. They warn this could mean a change in its epidemiology.

Nationally, mumps cases are at a 10 year high.