The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reports three cases of mumps that have been identified with a connection to Huntley High School with the first case confirmed positive in October. The Health Department is 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. Sharing food or utensils also spreads the disease. 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 5 days after symptoms appear. Most people with mumps recover completely in a few weeks.
Mumps is a vaccine preventable illness. 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 born during or after 1957 should have one (1) 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 (2) doses of mumps vaccine or other proof of immunity to mumps. Persons born before 1957 are thought to be immune, since they were likely infected naturally.
Mumps: Why it’s seen a resurgence
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in recent years, outbreaks have occurred in schools, colleges, and camps. Between January 1 to October 6, 2018, 1,885 cases of mumps were reported to the CDC.
