ST. CLAIR (WWJ) - Health officials are warning residents after three cases of the mumps have been reported in St. Clair County.
Two probable cases of the illness were confirmed in adults who traveled abroad to India and became ill after returning home early this month. The third probable case is a student at Fort Gratiot Middle School, just north of Port Huron.
The health department says vaccines are the best way to prevent the spread of the disease, which can take several weeks to appear after exposure.
Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose or throat. An infected person can spread the virus by coughing, sneezing and talking, as well as sharing items such as cups or eating utensils with others, and touching objects or surfaces with unwashed hands that are then touched by others, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Symptoms of mumps -- which include puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw, fever, and headaches -- often don't show for 12-to-25 days. However, someone infected can still spread the virus even if they aren't showing signs of illness.