Probable Case Of Mumps Reported At Lockport School District

LOCKPORT, IL — A case of mumps has been reported at Will County School District 92. In a letter to parents, the district did not state which school has a possible case, but stated, "You are

being told about this situation so that you can be aware of this disease, how it is transmitted, and how to prevent infection. Mumps is not common in children that are up-to-date with their vaccinations."

In January, a probable case of mumps was reported at Goodings Grove Elementary School in Homer Glen. Before that,a case was also reported at Lockport Township High School.

Mumps is a contagious disease that is caused by the mumps virus. The district said mumps typically starts with a few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite and is followed by swelling of salivary glands.

Mumps 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 the district's letter, 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. In addition, the virus may spread when someone with mumps touches items or surfaces without washing their hands and someone else then touches the same surface and rubs their mouth or nose.

The school said in the letter the best way to prevent your child from getting mumps is to make sure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations. School-aged children should have received at least one dose of a mumps vaccine (either mumps vaccine or measlesmumps-rubella, MMR) on or after their first birthday. A second dose of MMR is also recommended at age 4-6 years of
age. If you are not sure whether your child has received the mumps vaccine, you should contact your child’s primary care provider.

To help prevent contracting mumps, follow these actions:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue away after use.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If water is not near, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Do not share eating and/or drinking utensils.
• Refrain from close contact with individuals who are sick/experiencing symptoms.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. (Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.)

If your child or anyone in your household develops symptoms of mumps you should notify your primary care provider immediately. Those with mumps should remain at home for 5 days after the swelling of the salivary glands began. If your health care provider suspects mumps, contact your child’s school nurse.

Image via Shutterstock.