Hawaii typically sees 10 mumps cases a year. An outbreak has now sickened 100 times that

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The mumps outbreak in Hawaii has hit the 1,000 case mark, according to the state Health Department.

Typically, the state sees less than 10 cases a year. In 2017, Hawaii saw more than 760.

The majority of cases were reported on Oahu, with 810 confirmed cases. Hawaii Island saw 134 cases, Kauai saw 49, and Maui has seven confirmed cases.

This has been the largest outbreak of the disease in the islands in decades.

An Oahu charter school even had to start winter break early to prevent the disease from spreading.

There also have been 31 reports of complications since the outbreak, including hearing loss.

"For now, it's still trickling along," said Department of Health Dr. Sarah Park.

Park said we're nowhere near ending the outbreak, although it seems the outbreak may at least be slowing down a bit.

The outbreak started in March 2017, after the Health Department reported nine people had the viral infection.

The infection is spread through saliva. Park said  sharing food, drinks, or other activities that could transmit saliva should be avoided.

The disease is not considered life-threatening, but there can be complications. Symptoms can include fever, headaches, swollen glands under the ear or jaw and muscle aches.

The state Department of Health said the best way to prevent mumps is to get vaccinated.

For more information on mumps, visit the state Health Department's website.

This story will be updated.

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