Officials: 3 confirmed cases of mumps in King County

AUBURN, Wash. - Health officials have confirmed three cases of the mumps in Auburn.

Public Health Seattle & King County said Tuesday the children affected with the contagious virus range in age from 8 to 13 and are in the same family. Officials say they are recovering.

Officials say eleven additional cases in multiple King County cities are currently under investigation.

Mumps can cause fever, headache, and swelling of the cheeks and jaw. Most people recover in a few weeks but in rare cases, mumps can lead to complications that may require hospitalization.

King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin says to reduce the risk, everyone should be fully vaccinated. He also says people who develop symptoms of mumps should see a health care provider.

State health officials say seven cases of mumps were confirmed in Washington state last year.