(KAIR)--56 mumps cases have been reported across the state of Kansas.

That word comes from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, with a news release stating the cases, as of March 4, had been reported in 12 counties, including locally, Atchison and Marshall, with Nemaha County added to the list this week.

KDHE is working with the health departments in the affected counties to identify cases and “implement appropriate isolation and exclusion policies to prevent further spread of the mumps.”

KDHE Secretary Susan Mosier says she encourages Kansans “to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease,” to make sure that families “are up-to-date on vaccines, and stay home if you do get mumps.”

Mumps is a contagious disease, caused by a virus, and typically starts with a few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and a loss of appetite, followed by swollen salivary glands.

For details on the warning signs of mumps, and what you can do to keep you and your family safe, go here.