The state Well being Division stated Friday that the three of the 11 circumstances of mumps reported in New Jersey up to now this 12 months are particular person circumstances and never a part of a cluster. Earlier this week, it stated there have been eight suspected circumstances of mumps in “one household cluster” in Hunterdon County associated to worldwide journey.The three different suspected circumstances have been in three totally different counties. One was in Hudson County and was reported in January, associated to worldwide journey. A second case in Ocean County was additionally reported in January, however it didn’t say if it was additionally associated to journey. And in February, one case was reported in Somerset County, additionally associated to worldwide journey.The Well being Division additionally up to date its preliminary knowledge from 2023. It initially stated there have been 16 circumstances within the state. However on Friday, it stated the info was up to date to replicate solely 13 circumstances. Of these, there have been:One in Camden County in October;One in Essex County in Could;Two in Middlesex County, one every in March and November;5 in Monmouth County in January (1), August (1), September (2) and October (2), and;4 in Passaic County in January (1), April (2) and July (1).The company stated no extra info can be obtainable due to privateness considerations.In 2022, the state had eight circumstances of mumps, the Well being Division stated. There have been seven circumstances in 2021 and 9 in 2020.The state, calling mumps a vaccine-preventable illness, is urging households to acknowledge the signs and keep present with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccination, generally often known as the MMR shot.The shot is the best option to keep away from the illnesses, well being consultants say.“The latest clusters of measles, and now of mumps circumstances, are a reminder of the significance of vaccinations within the combat towards childhood illnesses which have been thought to have been eradicated,” stated Stefan Hagmann, a pediatric infectious illness professional and director of Journey Youngsters, a journey well being and immunization program for kids planning to journey internationally, at Hackensack College Medical Heart.“Analysis exhibits that the COVID-19 pandemic triggered kids to fall behind on their vaccinations schedules. If you’re touring together with your kids through the vacation spring breaks, or this summer season, be sure to discuss to your pediatrician about what vaccinations your baby wants,” Hagmann stated.Youngsters are really useful to obtain two doses of MMR, beginning with the primary dose at 12 to fifteen months with a second dose at 4 to six years of age, it stated.The Well being Division stated signs for mumps can begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and lack of urge for food. Later, it seems as a swelling of the salivary glands or puffy cheeks and a young, swollen jaw, it stated.“Mumps may be harmful,” it stated. “Swollen glands can embrace swelling of mind, testicles, ovaries or breast tissue. This could trigger problems resembling mind irritation (encephalitis), deafness or infertility later in life.”Measles signs seem about one to 2 weeks after publicity, the Well being Division stated, noting it begins as a excessive fever, cough, runny nostril and watery or purple eyes.“The measles rash begins three to 5 days after the opposite signs,” it stated. “Measles may trigger neurologic or mind problems for individuals later in life.”A case of measles was reported confirmed in Camden County on Jan. 13. It was the primary recognized case within the state since March 2023.For extra info, go to nj.gov/well being/vaccines/mmr.Please subscribe now and assist the native journalism YOU depend on and belief.Karin Worth Mueller could also be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. Comply with her on X at @KPMueller.