Mumps Cases Connected To Huntley High School

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL – Health officials have linked three confirmed cases of mumps to Huntley High School, local health officials said Thursday. The first case was confirmed positive in October, according to a news release from the McHenry County Department of Health. Health officials are now working with Huntley High School officials to notify parents of all students.

Mumps is a contagious viral disease that spreads through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat when infected people cough or sneeze, according to the news release.
Sharing food or utensils and contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus also spreads the disease.

Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite followed by swelling of the salivary glands, which causes puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. Symptoms usually appear 14 to 18 days after exposure but can occur up to 25 days following exposure.

About one-third of infected people do not exhibit symptoms, according to the news release. Those with mumps should stay home until at least five days after symptoms appear.

Most people with mumps recover completely in a few weeks, health officials said.

There is no treatment for mumps. The most effective way to prevent mumps is by vaccination.

Health officials said children and adults should be current with their immunizations. Children should receive the first dose of mumps-containing vaccine, MMR, at 12 to 15 months, and the second dose at 4 to 6 years. All adults without evidence of immunity born during or after 1957 should have one dose of MMR.

Adults at higher risk, such as university students, healthcare personnel, international travelers, and persons with potential mumps outbreak exposure should have documentation of two doses of mumps vaccine or other proof of immunity to mumps.

People born before 1957 are thought to be immune, since they were likely infected naturally.

For more information visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website, the Center for Disease Control website, or call the Health Department at 815-334-4500.

PHOTO VIA SHUTTERSTOCK