FORNEY, Texas — A Forney Fire Department employee was diagnosed with mumps, according to a notification from the City of Forney on Friday afternoon.
FORNEY, Texas — A Forney Fire Department employee was diagnosed with mumps, according to a notification from the City of Forney on Friday afternoon.
According to the notification, the city received notification on Thursday the employee had been diagnosed with mumps and, since receiving notification, the fire station in question has undergone disinfection.
Others who may have been in contact with the individual who was diagnosed with mumps are also being notified, according to the City of Forney.
“The City is closely monitoring this situation and will update with more information when it is available,” read the city’s statement.
The Texas Department of State Health Services is also investigating two outbreaks of mumps — one related to cheerleading competitions in November and December at the University of Arlington, Dr. Pepper Arena, and the Dallas Convention Center as well as an outbreak in Johnson County with 110 reported cases which includes two cases in Hood and Tarrant County.
“Mumps symptoms include swollen or tender salivary glands, swollen or tender testicles, low fever, tiredness and muscle aches,” according to DSHS. “People usually develop symptoms 14-18 days after being exposed to the virus that causes mumps, but it can be as long as 25 days.”
“Anyone suspected of having mumps should stay home while they’re contagious – five days after swollen glands occur,” stated the department.
“Mumps is spread through coughing and sneezing and sharing cups and utensils, according to DSHS. “While vaccination is the best protection against mumps, even people who are vaccinated can become infected. People should also prevent spreading mumps and other illnesses by covering coughs and sneezes, washing their hands frequently with soap and water, and not sharing food and drinks.”
