The idea that tobacco use is normal and that it is socially acceptable because respected adults and others do it encourages kids to pick up the habit. Tobacco-free school policies are helping change the perception that smoking and chew are okay.
It's also important for people to understand that mumps can sometimes develop into serious complications, including deafness, sterility and even death.
We have notified doctors of this outbreak and urged them to be on the lookout for additional cases. It's important that they voluntarily report any suspected illnesses to their local health department.
Every day in Oregon 20 kids start smoking. One-third of them will eventually die of a tobacco-related disease. Most adult smokers started using tobacco before they turned 18, which underscores the significance of this new policy.
The reasons for why this patient woke up are still unknown.
