A mumps case has been reported in St. Joseph.

According to a news release Wednesday from the St. Joseph Health Department, it was notified by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services State Public Health Laboratory of a confirmation of a single case of mumps of a person in St. Joseph.

“A single case of mumps does not typically pose an imminent threat to the community at large,” the health department stated. “The City of St. Joseph Health Department continues to monitor the situation and share relevant information with health care providers.”

Connie Werner with the St. Joseph Health Department said they are just telling people to monitor themselves for symptoms of mumps.

“The symptoms at first, unfortunately are very common symptoms.  The fever, body aches, just generally not feeling well.  The swelling of the cheeks, which are actually the swelling of the salivary glands.  Those tend to be when people start thinking mumps,” Werner said. “Certainly if you see those symptoms stay home and call your doctor.”

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Missouri is one of three states experiencing between 100 and 299 cases of mumps this year.

“The vaccine is really the only preventable measure we can give people to offer protection.  On average it gives 88 percent protection,” Werner said. “Even if you have been fully vaccinated if you have symptoms that can be consistent with mumps… We would still want you to isolate yourself and contact your doctor.”

Mumps symptoms usually appear 16-18 days after infection, but this period can range anywhere from 12 to 25 days after infection.

It’s the first mumps case recently reported in St. Joseph. However, in the past year mumps cases have been reported at surrounding areas including at the University of Missouri, University of Kansas and Kansas State University. In January, the South Harrison School District also warned of a possible mumps exposure. Werner said the risk for flare-ups of mumps increases in crowded environments.

“Anytime you have a confined area there is an increased risk of having increased cases of mumps.  Not only in Missouri but throughout the country we have seen increased cases, typically in institutes of higher learning,” Werner said.

Since January, Werner said the CDC has reported an increase in the mumps virus throughout the state of Missouri.  She said in in the northwest part of the state it appears to be slightly lower then other regions.