Public health officials reported today that a mumps case has been confirmed in Adams County.

Adams County Health Department officials say there is no cause for concern for the general population. Staff members have contacted potential exposed persons to provide recommendations regarding disease prevention.

"We feel like we're taking all the action needed to prevent the spread," said Julie Shepard, director of health promotion at the Health Department.

Shepard said the Health Department received the report on Wednesday and immediately contacted those who may have been exposed. She said she could not disclose how many people were contacted.

Mumps is a viral disease characterized by fever, swelling and tenderness of one or more salivary glands in the neck. It is spread through airborne transmission or droplet spread, and through direct contact with the saliva of an infected person.

People who have concerns regarding their health status are encouraged to contact their medical provider.

Incidence of mumps is generally low in countries where vaccine coverage is sustained at high levels. Illinois began to require a second MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine for students in school in 1992. A second MMR is encouraged for all residents born after 1957, especially health-care workers and those who travel outside the country.

The Health Department encourages residents to be sure their immunizations are up-to-date.

For more information, call the Health Department at 222-8440.