LITTLE ROCK-The Arkansas Department of Health says a mumps outbreak has spread to central Arkansas.
The outbreak began in August in northwest Arkansas, mostly centered in the Springdale area. The state says that so far, 769 cases of confirmed or suspected mumps are under investigation.
The health department announced Wednesday that a "limited number" of mumps cases have been identified in Pulaski County. Dr. Dirk Haselow, the state's epidemiologist, says the health department is "very concerned" by the outbreak.
The health department says that nearly two-thirds of the mumps cases involve children between the ages of 5 and 17.
Mumps cases have been confirmed in the Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers and Springdale schools districts and at two private schools. The health department says no schools in Pulaski County are currently affected.