An outbreak of mumps at the Men’s Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles has led to 18 inmates being diagnosed with the virus and 390 others being quarantined, sheriff’s officials said Thursday.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, the outbreak appears to have begun Oct. 22, when at least one inmate who was unknowingly infected with mumps was jailed at the facility and began exhibiting signs of illness, and was later diagnosed.

The 18 inmates who have since been diagnosed with mumps are being housed in the jail’s medical ward, while 390 others are being monitored to see if they develop any symptoms.

According to sheriff’s officials, 350 of the quarantined inmates have been given measles-mumps-rubella vaccinations, along with more than 200 sworn and civilian staff members at the Men’s Central Jail. Three members of the sheriff’s department are under medical observation.

Sheriff’s officials said inmate visitation could be disrupted through Sunday due to the ongoing quarantine. People planning to visit an inmate were urged to visit www.lasd.org in advance and click on the inmate locator button to determine if the inmate is under quarantine. Affected inmates are in the 4500 and 4600 housing areas, or on the 7000 or 9000 floors of the Men’s Central Jail.

The department is working with court officials in an effort to minimize impacts on court proceedings for the affected inmates — all of whom still have access to their attorneys, officials said.

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