Mumps Outbreak Reported in Nearby McHenry County
The McHenry County Health Department is reporting an outbreak of mumps
According to the Health Department blog, eight cases of mumps have been identified at two locations in McHenry County.
McHenry County Jail
MCDH is actively investigating the cases; it has not yet been determined whether the two locations are related at this time.
An outbreak has been identified at a Crystal Lake church, with a total of six positive cases.
Two cases of mumps have been identified at the McHenry County Correctional Facility with other suspect cases pending.
Both individuals have been in the correctional facility during their infectious period.
MCDH is working closely with the Illinois Department of Health, McHenry County Correctional Facility, and the Crystal Lake church in investigating all cases.
Guidance and recommendations are being provided specific to each location, including identifying close contacts and determining their immunity status; requiring exposed people without immunity to stay home; and encouraging vaccination.
In October and November, mumps cases were identified in students at Huntley High School, according to the MCDH and media reports.
Individuals who have mumps or are symptomatic (pending testing) are being isolated until they are no longer infectious.
If you think you may have been exposed to mumps and/or are experiencing symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Healthcare providers throughout McHenry County and the surrounding areas have been notified of these cases.
Susan Karras, RN and director of Public Health Nursing for MCDH, said 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,” Karras said. “Then most people experience a swelling of their salivary glands, which causes puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. Symptoms usually appear 16 to 18 days after infection, but this period can range from 12 to 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 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 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.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in recent years outbreaks have occurred in schools, colleges, and camps. For more information, log in here or call the MCDH Communicable Disease Program at 815-334-4500.
Kane County Health Department Mumps Fact Sheet
What is Mumps?
Mumps is a viral infection that is characterized by swelling and tenderness of one or more of the salivary glands. This illness is uncommon in children who are up-to-date with the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunizations.
What are the Symptoms of Mumps?
Symptoms of mumps infection include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite followed by onset of parotitis (swollen glands in the front of or below the ear or under the jaw). Mumps can lead to hearing loss or aseptic meningitis. Twenty – thirty percent of males who have reached puberty will experience painful swelling of the testicles and 30% of women who have reached puberty will experience painful swollen breasts and very rarely inflammation of the ovaries. Sterility following mumps infection rarely occurs. Symptoms usually resolve after 10 days.
How is Mumps Spread?
Mumps is spread from person to person following contact with infected respiratory secretions. A person with mumps is able to transmit the virus to others 3 days before the onset of symptoms and up 9 days afterward.
The time between exposure to the mumps virus and development of symptoms (incubation period) is usually 16 – 18 days but cases can occur up to 12 – 25 days following exposure.
How is Mumps Treated?
Since this is a viral illness there is no specific treatment, or medication to take. Provide ample opportunity for rest and drink plenty of fluids if fever is present. If you suspect you may have mumps seek medical attention and inform your doctor of your symptoms in advance to avoid possibly infecting others while sitting in the waiting room.
How is Mumps Prevented?
Mumps vaccine, most commonly received in the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), is the best way to prevent infection with the mumps virus. The mumps vaccine is a live attenuated (weakened) vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine are routinely recommended for all children. The first dose is given on or after the first birthday and the second dose is given at 4-6 years of age. Most adults who have not been vaccinated or do not have documentation of previous infection with the mumps virus should receive at least one dose of MMR vaccine.
One dose of mumps vaccine will be effective in preventing infection in 80% of people and two doses will be effective in 90% or people.
Practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding sharing of articles that go into the mouth will also help to prevent transmission of mumps virus.
Website: www.kanehealth.com 630-208-3801.
