The outbreak of mumps cases in Washington state has reached nearly 300, officials confirmed Friday. “Avoid kissing, hugging and other close contact with anyone who is suspected of having mumps,” the department states on its website. The news station reported 160 cases are likely in Kings County, which includes Seattle. The CDC reported a significant rise in mumps cases in 2016, when 5,311 cases in 46 states and the District of Columbia were reported. In 2015, only 1,300 cases were reported, and only 229 in 2012.

Source: Fox News January 27, 2017 13:22 UTC