HOUSTON – Thursday morning, Houston Health Department officials confirmed multiple cases of mumps within the Harris County Jail.
The outbreak was reported on Tuesday, and several of the areas in the jail were quarantined as a precaution until the test results came back in.
The test results showed that six inmates and one staff member tested positive for the virus. Seven others -- five inmates and two staff members -- are exhibiting symptoms of the virus but have not yet tested positive.
Three hundred other inmates are quarantined because they came in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.
“As with any infectious disease investigation, we are looking at the individual cases to identify possible contacts to ensure proper action is taken as needed to prevent this disease from spreading further,” said Dr. David Persse, Houston’s local health authority and the medical director of emergency medical services. “We currently do not have reason to believe this outbreak has spread outside of the jail.”
Mumps is contracted through coughing and sneezing or sharing a drink, according to Persse. He says it causes fever, body aches, fatigue, loss of appetite and swelling of salivary glands. In rare cases, it can cause sterilization of reproductive organs. It’s also concerning for pregnant women.
“Because the unborn child is exposed to mumps, there are a whole variety of complications that could occur to the unborn child,” said Persse.
Officials said once you contract the virus, it takes about 25 days for it to run its course.
“If we get more cases, it would not surprise me in the least," said Perse. "Our hope is that it remains in the population of those folks."
The Harris County sheriff said anyone quarantined or isolated will not be forced to stay in jail. If they post bond or complete their sentence, they will be free to leave.
Visitation will continue as normal at the jail but the sheriff urged caution.
The Houston Health Department has visited the jail to help coordinate a response to the outbreak including vaccinations, isolation and quarantine guidelines.