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For Immediate Release Date: March 7, 2017 Contact: Leslie Piotrowski (847) 377-8055 Hannah Goering (847) 377-8099
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With three confirmed cases of mumps at Barrington High
School, the Lake County Health Department is now calling the cluster of
confirmed and probable cases in the area an outbreak. In addition to the three confirmed cases at
Barrington High School, there is an additional unrelated, confirmed case in
Barrington. There are also seven probable cases
and 20 suspect cases at two high
schools, two middle schools and in the surrounding area.
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. 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.
Up to half
of people who get mumps have very mild or no symptoms, and therefore do not
know they were infected with mumps. The most common symptoms include: fever, headache,
muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, swollen and tender salivary glands
under the ears on one or both sides (parotitis). Complications from mumps, although rare, can
include inflammation of the testicles, ovaries, breasts and/or brain. People
with mumps are considered contagious typically two days before until five days
after parotid swelling. They should stay home and contact their health care
provider.
“With spring break approaching, and other warm-weather
social events coming up, students should be particularly cautious, especially
if they are planning to travel,” said Mark Pfister, the Health Department’s
executive director.
Children should receive the first dose of mumps-containing vaccine,
MMR, at 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years. All adults born during
or after 1957 should have documentation of one dose of MMR. Adults at higher
risk, such as university students, health care 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. If you need to be vaccinated or need your vaccination records evaluated,
contact your healthcare provider. While two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine
typically provide adequate immunity to the infection, the vaccination does not
guarantee 100 percent protection.
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