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26 mumps cases reported in Keystone

24 of the 26 people infected are employees of Keystone employees.

KEYSTONE, Colo. — More than two dozen mumps cases, most of them among Keystone Resort employees, have been confirmed in Summit County, a nurse manager with Summit County Public Health (SCPH) said.

Twenty-four of the 26 people infected are Keystone employees. 

Health officials are working to determine what if any connection the two who are not employees have to the Keystone cases.

The county is attempting to limit the spread by evaluating people who have been in contact with others who have been confirmed to have the illness. 

Employees of the Vail Resorts Management Company resort who tested positive have been told to remain at home. 

> In the video above from February 2019, Dr. Comilla Sasson talks about the flu, measles, mumps and how they can be prevented with a vaccination.

RELATED: 6 Keystone employees diagnosed with mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral disease that causes pain and swelling in the salivary glands, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC).

Public health officials said members of the public who have had interaction with the ski area may want to check their vaccine status to ensure they are protected against mumps. 

They're asking anyone who may be experiencing symptoms of mumps to consult with their health care provider or call Summit County Public Health at 970-668-9161.

RELATED: 6 mumps cases reported at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

In May 2019, at least six cases were reported in the same county among people who were associated with or employed by A-Basin. At least 49 cases of mumps were reported in the Denver area in 2017 and last year numerous cases of mumps and chickenpox were reported at the  GEO Center in Aurora which is run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

RELATED: 261 people in quarantine at Aurora ICE facility after recent chickenpox, mumps infections

An infected person can spread the virus in the following ways, according to the CDC:

  • Coughing, sneezing, or talking
  • Sharing items that may have saliva on them, such as water bottles or cups
  • Participating in close-contact activities with others, such as playing sports, dancing, or kissing
  • Touching objects or surfaces with unwashed hands that are then touched by others

The vaccine has drastically reduced mumps cases, however, outbreaks still occur, according to the CDC website. The outbreaks most commonly occur among groups of people who have prolonged, close contact.

From Jan. 1 to Dec. 28, 2019, 48 states and the District of Columbia reported mumps infections in 3,474 people to the CDC. While that was about 1,200 cases more than 2018, it was far less than both 2016 and 2017 when more the 6,000 cases were reported in the U.S.

9News contributed to this report.

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