Following a report on YWN regarding the rise of Mumps in the Los Angeles Jewish community, the Bikur Cholim organization releazsed the following statement to YWN:

Bikur Cholim has been monitoring the outbreak of mumps within the East Coast Jewish communities as early as last year, and its potential spread to other Jewish communities in the US.  To those familiar with the socialization and frequency of transcontinental flights between these two regions, the spread of mumps to Los Angeles comes as no surprise.  While data regarding the source, propagation, and number of mumps cases in Los Angeles is useful for epidemiology studies, the attention of all health officials and physicians is focused on treatment, limiting transmission, and reinforcing the importance of childhood immunizations.

Over recent weeks, several articles have surfaced citing the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health publicizing cases of mumps in Los Angeles, particularly within the Jewish community.  Efforts are being made to collect data and monitor this as closely as possible.  Today, there have been 8 confirmed mumps cases with additional cases under review.  From the onset, and as recently as last week, information coming from New York has identified the “Hasidic” population as the group associated with this mumps outbreak.  Unfortunately this does not adequately sensitize the entire Jewish community to this threat.  While these cases may have in fact begun in a Hasidic setting, it is without question that this has passed beyond these boundaries and significantly spread throughout the observant Jewish community.  Bikur Cholim has worked closely with Los Angeles health officials to ensure their language does not solely identify this outbreak as “Hasidic” but rather to include the Jewish community as a whole.

Per the Center for Disease Control (CDC), without vaccines, epidemics of many preventable diseases could return resulting in increased and unnecessary illness, disability, and death among children.  There are currently 15 vaccine-preventable diseases including mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) and adults whom were never vaccinated can receive the MMR vaccine at any age.

The transmission and spreads of mumps is of major concern to public health and Los Angeles physicians are mandated to report all cases of mumps to the Department of Health.  Due to its highly communicable nature, children and adults diagnosed with mumps should not attend school or have contact with other individuals during the communicable period.

Bikur Cholim president Rabbi Hershy Ten expressed, “With more parents exercising the “personal belief” exemption and not immunizing their children, the risk of exposure and contracting these diseases increases.  The decision not to immunize goes beyond effecting one’s own child and family, it directly impacts society.  For example, children not immunized for measles and rubella that contract these diseases can place pregnant women, such as teachers and day care providers, and their unborn children at risk.”

Mumps is not a Jewish disease nor is it specific to any religious or ethnic group.  Childhood immunizations are the single most effective way to protect children and adults from these diseases.  Those parents whom are doubtful of the benefits of immunization should speak with their pediatricians.  For years now, public health officials have offered low-cost and free vaccinations at LA County clinics which can be found at www.lapublichealth.org.  Those exhibiting symptoms such as swollen/tender salivary glands under the ears or jaws on both sides of the face, dry mouth, painful chewing/swallowing, headache, fever, muscle aches etc. should contact their family physician.

Bikur Cholim (www.bikurcholim.net) is working together with health officials to provide information to all schools and organizations within the Los Angeles Jewish community for them to share with their parent bodies and memberships.

(YWN Desk – NYC)