TEXAS MUMPS CASES HIT 20-YEAR HIGH

  

The Texas Department of State Health Services is investigating multiple outbreaks of mumps throughout the state.

Authorities have confirmed at least three cases of mumps in Brazos County, according to KBTX in College Station.

Mumps cases have hit a 20-year high in Texas and the highly contagious virus is infecting spring break travelers to popular beaches, state health officials said Wednesday.

The virus is rarely deadly but it can cause discomfort as salivary glands swell up. It can also cause deafness and encephalitis, or swelling of the brain.

State, regional, and local health departments are currently investigating multiple outbreaks throughout the state, including one that includes possible exposures on South Padre Island.

Mumps cases potentially linked to South Padre Island first came to light this week when another state health department contacted DSHS about a patient with mumps who had traveled to the area for spring break.

It is not immediately clear if the mumps cases in Brazos County are connected to South Padre Island.