Mumps Outbreak Impacts Four Counties and Several Schools

LAKE COUNTY, IL - The Lake County Health Department has been investigating a multi-jurisdictional outbreak of mumps. Health officials reported confirmed and probable cases at Barrington School District 220 and several other schools.

Those who contracted mumps reside in Lake, Cook, Kane and McHenry counties, according to a health department news release.

On March 13, the Health Department held a vaccination clinic for Barrington High School staff and students who were not up to date with their measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccinations. A second MMR vaccination clinic is scheduled at the high school in April.

Mumps is a serious contagious disease passed through saliva and respiratory secretions. This disease is spread by droplets of saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose or throat of an infected person, usually when the person coughs, sneezes or talks, according to a news release.

Items used by an infected person, such as cups or soft drink cans, can also be contaminated with the virus, which may spread to others if those items are shared.

To help prevent the virus from spreading:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Dispose of used tissues in the trash can.
• If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, tables, counters.

For more information, visit the Health Department's website