LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - State health officials are reporting an outbreak of the mumps in Nebraska.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says in a news release that at least 30 cases of the highly contagious illness have been identified - 2 ½ times the number of cases reported in the state for all of 2018. Most of this year’s cases occurred among people attending a wedding in northeastern Nebraska and in a workplace in southeastern Nebraska.

Mumps is a virus that causes swollen glands, puffy cheeks, fever, headaches and, in severe cases, hearing loss and meningitis. It can spread quickly through coughing and sneezing.

The health agency recommends people get vaccinated to avoid contracting the virus. People also are urged to avoid sharing drinking glasses and eating utensils, among other things.

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