Posted By: C. Harrison/September 21, 2015

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is investigating and monitoring a cluster of mumps cases in the Rockaways. There have been 20 cases of mumps spread across the end of July, August and September.

Key Facts:

•     Patients advised to stay home while infectious (at least 5 days)

•     There have been no severe cases nor hospitalizations

•     Mumps is a viral illness that affects the salivary glands

•     People of any age can get mumps through risk is low

•     Spread by respiratory droplets released when infected person   coughs or sneezes.

•     There is a vaccine available (usually combined with measles and rubella vaccine called MMR)

•     Last year there were 120 cases of mumps in NYC

Two health clinic in the Rockaways have been supplied with the MMR vaccine:

Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Centers- the addresses are: 6200 Beach Channel Drive, Arverne  and 1288 Central Ave, Far Rockaway…contact 311 for more information

These clinics are willing to see adults for vaccination. They will charge for the visit (based on a sliding scale) but will not charge for the vaccine. They will also take walk ins.