Cases now include two people who are not among the ski area staff.

Keystone first identified a mumps outbreak among three ski resort staff in early February, and it has now spread to 26 cases. For the first time since the outbreak, non-staff members have been diagnosed with the illness. There is no word on how they were exposed to the virus.

Keystone representatives have said that health officials told the resort there is minimal risk to guests and the community. Those who have been diagnosed with mumps have been asked to self-isolate to reduce the spread of the virus. 

Keystone's Lori Roberson told Colorado Public Radio (CPR) that the resort created a support team to buy groceries and other necessities for those affected.

“So we’re assisting them with by providing those meals and shopping so that they don’t have to go out in public, and they can just stay home and rest,” Roberson said to CPR. 

While mumps rarely causes life-threatening complications, the virus is highly contagious and certainly isn't anything you'd be excited to catch. The virus causes fever, muscle aches, headaches, and other similar symptoms. However, it's hallmark is swollen parotid salivary glands, causing a goiter-like bump on the jaw and neck area. And just to add insult to injury, mumps have also been known to cause the swelling of testicles and ovaries.

To help contain the outbreak, Keystone has offered staff free measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations. They are also evaluating anyone who may have come in contact with those affected.

While the numbers are expected to grow, there is minimal risk of catching mumps if you head up to Keystone for a day on the slopes. Ensure you are up on your MMR vaccinations, or get one, if you are concerned. The virus is mostly spread by people interacting closely with another or through the usual viral transmission methods of kissing, sneezing, touching affected surfaces, etc. So, don't go smooching any Keystone staff, and you'll likely be just fine!