Mumps Health Alert/ Advisory Letter
Once an outbreak is identified, it is vital to notify local area physicians and hospitals as soon as possible. There are multiple purposes for this letter:
- To reduce transmission of mumps during an outbreak by raising the physician’s index of suspicion for mumps, thereby isolating more patients early in the infectious period.
- To ensure complete and prompt reporting by healthcare providers.
- To ensure appropriate testing of mumps suspects and contacts, and appropriate exclusion from school/work for cases.
- To remind health care providers of the importance of vaccinating patients appropriately.
Given the specific situation, certain aspects of the letter can be removed or highlighted (e.g., in an under-vaccinated community, the immunizations piece may be the most critical).
The letter should be sent out under local health authority/local health department letterhead whenever possible. During an outbreak, it is recommended that all pediatricians, family practice physicians, internists, infectious disease physicians, general practitioners, ear, nose, and throat physicians, obstetricians/gynecologists, hospitals, and urgent care facilities within the local jurisdiction be notified of the outbreak. Generally, the scope of the alert should not be limited to a small geographic area (zip code, school district, etc.) because many clients travel outside of their residential area to visit their physician of choice. In some cases, the regional office may need to send out letters to surrounding counties. Please let your DSHS regional office and central office know if you distribute a health alert.