The population of the Calhoun County Jail in Battle Creek has been suffering an outbreak of a contagious disease.

The Calhoun County Public Health Department says Saturday evening that there are confirmed cases of mumps in the Calhoun County Jail; The Sheriff’s Office says they worked with the Health Department to isolate those residents who had been in contact with people with mumps. Mumps is a virus that is spread by coughing, sneezing, and by coming into contact with surfaces those that are infected touch. The most common symptoms are fever, headaches, and swollen salivary glands; however, the disease can cause hearing loss and meningitis.

 

The Health Department says that at this point, they haven’t had any confirmed cases of mumps outside of the jail; they say the best way to prevent getting infected is to get 2 doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine.

In order to prevent the spread of Mumps, you should:

  • Wash hands well and often with soap
  • Do not share eating or drinking utensils
  • Regularly clean surfaces that are frequently touched (such as doorknobs, tables, counters, etc.) with soap and water or cleaning wipes
  • Minimize close contact with other people when you are sick
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put the used tissue in the trash can

More From 107.7 WRKR-FM