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Health officials work to contain Mumps outbreak at Wasco State Prison, other Central Valley prisons

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WASCO, Calif. — The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and California Correctional Health Care Services have announced a mumps outbreak at four prisons in the Central Valley, including Wasco State Prison.

Officials confirmed 22 suspect cases and six confirmed at Wasco State Prison, with the first diagnosis on December 12. According to the CDCR, health officials and prison staff are working to contain the outbreak.

The CDCR said in a news release that since the initial outbreak there has been one confirmed case and one suspect case have been found at California Rehabilitation Center, one confirmed case and one suspect case at California State Prison, Corcoran; and one suspect case has been found at Pleasant Valley State Prison.

Officials added that several inmates and staff throughout the state are quarantined and is currently being monitored by health officials. In addition, The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination will be offered to all in the affected areas, including staff.

Officials said visitation is limited at the institutions to help contain any potential transmission. Those intending to visit loved ones at a prison should check for any possible impacts to visitation.

"Both staff and members of the population are being offered masks to help limit exposure. Education about mumps is being provided to the population and staff," the CDCR sated.

Surveillance and investigations are ongoing.

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