FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) – The number of confirmed or suspected mumps cases in
Arkansas has nearly doubled in recent weeks despite efforts to immunize
residents against the viral disease.
The Arkansas Department of Health reports that as of Thursday there were 1,230
confirmed or suspected cases, up from 769 on Oct. 26. Most cases are in Benton,
Washington and Madison counties in northwest Arkansas and other cases in Pulaski
County in central Arkansas. There are currently three public and two private
schools affected, in addition to 21 workplaces.
The health department says most cases are school-aged children between the
ages of 5 and 17.
Department spokeswoman Meg Mirivel told the Northwest Arkansas
Democrat-Gazette that officials are still trying to immunize as many people as
possible and are optimistic the situation will improve.
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