25 service members on Mayport-based USS Fort McHenry sickened with parotitis

Jacksonville, FL — 25 Sailors and Marines on the Naval Station Mayport-based USS Fort McHenry have been diagnosed with a viral infection that has symptoms similar to mumps.

The Navy confirms to WOKV that the initial case was detected on December 22nd and the most recent active case was March 9th. Of the 25 service members who were diagnosed in that time, 24 have returned to duty. None of the cases are life-threatening and everyone is expected to make a full recovery, according to the Navy.

Patients included Sailors on the ship as well as some members of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is embarked on the USS Fort McHenry.

We’re told affected service members were quarantined while symptomatic. They were treated in the ship’s medical facilities and the affected living and work spaces were cleaned and disinfected. All service members on board also received booster vaccinations for measles, mumps, and rubella, as a precaution.

The Navy says the ship’s operational schedule has been modified while crew health is being monitored. WOKV has asked for more information about what those modifications involve, and we will update this story as that information becomes available.

The Navy says the service members are suffering the viral infection parotitis, which has symptoms similar to mumps. The CDC reports acute parotitis involves swelling of salivary glands.

The USS Fort McHenry is currently in the 5th Fleet Area of Operations.