Health officials in McHenry County, Il have reported eight cases of mumps have been identified at two locations in McHenry County.  MCDH is actively investigating the cases; it has not yet been determined whether or not the two locations are related at this time.

Mumps/THD
Mumps/THD

Six of the cases are from an outbreak at a Crystal Lake church, while the additional two cases were identified at the McHenry County Correctional Facility with other suspect cases pending.

Both individuals have been in the correctional facility during their infectious period.  The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is working closely with the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH), McHenry County Correctional Facility, and the Crystal Lake church in investigating all cases.

According to Susan Karras, RN, Director of Public Health Nursing for MCDH “Mumps is a contagious viral disease that spreads through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat when infected people cough or sneeze.  Sharing food or utensils also spreads the disease.”  Karras added, “Mumps usually starts with fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Then most people experience a swelling of their salivary glands, which causes puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw.  Symptoms usually appear 16-18 days after infection, but this period can range from 12-25 days.  Persons with mumps should stay home until at least five (5) days after symptoms appear.  Most people with mumps recover completely in a few weeks.”

Mumps is a vaccine-preventable illness.  Vaccinated children and adults can occasionally become infected with mumps; however, disease is less likely to be severe. MCDH encourages children and adults to 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 four to six years.  All adults born during or after 1957 should have one (1) dose of MMR.