State Health Officials Warn Of Mumps Outbreak

BOSTON (CBS) - State health officials are warning the public about a mumps outbreak in the Boston area.

Twelve cases have been reported since March.

The patients are adults ranging in age from 20 to 41 from Chelsea, Boston, and Revere. Experts believe they were not vaccinated against the disease.

"All of the residents are Latino and include members of the Colombian, Dominican, Guatemalan, and Salvadoran communities," the Department of Public Health said. "None is known to have traveled internationally prior to becoming ill."

Facial swelling is the most common symptom. People are considered contagious two days prior to showing symptoms as well as five days after the initial swelling.

Experts are urging those who have mumps to stay isolated and those who believe they may have been infected to contact their health provider.