An outbreak of mumps in several Midwestern states has Missouri health officials monitoring developments. But, we’re being told there is no cause for panic in this state. Hundreds of confirmed or suspected cases of mumps have been reported in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Minnesota. And, there are concerns the threat could spread to Missouri. Nanci Gonder with the State Health Department says four suspected cases are being investigated in this state … and that’s not unusual because there are usually about four or five confiemed cases of the mumps each year in Missouri. As for the chances of contracting mumps – Gonder says they’re really not that good. Most Missouri children are already shielded against mumps because of a vaccination that is required before kids can enter school. Still, state health officials are closely monitoring the situation.
