The number of people infected during the current mumps outbreak in Hawaii jumped to 39 Monday with the confirmation of eight new cases on Oahu and another on Kauai.

The ongoing outbreak is the largest incidence of mumps in the state in 16 years. The state Department of Health reported that the disease has been confirmed in children and adults, both vaccinated and unvaccinated. None of the current cases has required hospitalization.

Recently confirmed cases include children and adults at Central Middle School and the Job Corps Center in Waimanalo. Other cases are still being investigated to identify a source of infection. The department said it is working with the Department of Education and Job Corps Center to notify individuals who may have come into contact with confirmed cases during their infectious periods.

The recently discovered case on Kauai is the first confirmed occurrence of the disease on an island other than Oahu during the current outbreak. The person infected has no known travel history; an investigation is ongoing to determine whether the person has any connection to the outbreak on Oahu.

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Symptoms include a tender, swollen jaw as well as fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite. Some people with mumps have very mild or no symptoms.

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella, formerly known as German measles, and prevents most cases of mumps. Two doses of the vaccine are 88 percent effective at protecting against mumps, and one dose is 78 percent effective. The DOH emphasizes that full vaccination “is important in helping to protect the public’s health across the state.”

Vaccinations are available at select pharmacies statewide. For a full listing, visit 808ne.ws/2raH47x or call the Aloha United Way information and referral line at 211.

The current outbreak in Hawaii is part of a larger increase in mumps cases nationwide and internationally, with more than 2,500 cases in 42 states confirmed between Jan. 1 and April 22.

On April 28 the department announced the discovery of two clusters of cases involving nine people on Oahu, bringing the number of confirmed cases for the year to 14. Since then the number of new cases has quickly increased.

The department advises the following steps to prevent the disease from spreading further:

>> Families should ensure that all members are fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.

>> Patients who have been diagnosed with mumps or are suspected of having the disease should self-isolate and avoid going out for nine days after the onset of swollen salivary glands.

>> People who may have been exposed to mumps and are not vaccinated should not attend school or work and should not travel from Day 12 to Day 25 after exposure.