Monmouth County health officials say the number of probable mumps cases is now up to 22.  Twenty one are adults most of them employees or recent patrons of the popular Belmar Bar D'Jais.

One of the cases is a preschool aged child. Most of those showing symptoms are from Monmouth County, but there are also individuals from Ocean County, North Jersey and as far away as Florida. Health Officials say the popular night spot is cooperating.

According to a press release from the Monmouth County Health Department the victims are from: Asbury Park, Belmar, Farmingdale, Howell (4), Keyport, Long Branch (3), Neptune City, Tinton Falls and Wall. Individuals who reported hometowns from outside the county are from the New Jersey towns of Woodbridge, Saddle Brook, Ogdensburg, Emerson, Lawrenceville, Point Pleasant (2) and Port Saint Lucie, Florida.

Public Health Coordinator Michael Meddis says the individuals have been reported after visiting area medical offices.
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Meddis advises those experiencing swelling of the salivary glands, fever, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite and fatigue to seek medical attention.

He explains that prevention steps for mumps are similar to flu prevention measures like frequent hand washing, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue if you sneeze or cough and staying home from school or work if you feel sick. Other measures include minimizing close contact with babies or people with weakened immune systems, avoid sharing utensils and to regularly clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the Health Department press release, Mumps is spread by droplets of saliva or mucus from an infected person. Most mumps transmission likely occurs before the salivary glands begin to swell and within 5 days after swelling begins. The CDC recommends isolating mumps patients for 5 days after their glands begin to swell.

 

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