AUBURN, Wash. - King County Public Health and Auburn School District officials are now urging students who haven't been vaccinated to stay home, as the mumps outbreak grows.

The district said in schools where the mumps is active, children who are not vaccinated should stay home until 25 days go by without any new cases reported.

If new cases do pop up during that three-week time frame, the 25-day count starts over.

Kids who get at least one dose of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine can return to class right away.

In schools where there have not been any mumps cases reported, kids who are not vaccinated can keep going to class, for now.

The health department said Tuesday there are now 36 confirmed cases of the mumps in King County. Another three cases are under investigation.

Health officials said 32 of those confirmed cases are in Auburn. But, adults in Kent, Pacific and Federal Way are also now sick with the mumps.

Most of the patients were vaccinated. Health officials said while the vaccine doesn't always keep the mumps from spreading, it does help prevent more serious complications.

The Auburn School District sent a letter home to parents, urging them to keep a close eye out for mumps symptoms and to keep their children home if there are any signs of illness.























