SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The New Mexico Department of Health is investigating seven mumps cases at the Torrance County Detention Facility.

Other details about the mumps cases at the jail weren’t immediately released Monday.

Health officials say mumps is a highly contagious disease that is spread through the air and by droplets of saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat of an infected person, usually when the person coughs or sneezes.

The virus can also spread through shared use of drinks, cups or eating utensils and on occasion through contaminated surfaces.

People exposed to mumps may become ill up to 25 days after the exposure.

Health officials say the best way to be protected from mumps is to be vaccinated.

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