Mumps Informative Letter
September 6, 2019
To Parents/Guardians of Students of Clarkson Public School:
As you may already know, confirmed cases of mumps have been recently identified in the northeast Nebraska area. Information is being shared with schools and others in the area to educate people about the symptoms, transmission and prevention of mumps and to make sure children are fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine to aide in the prevention of this spreading. While the number of cases identified in the U.S. is generally low, it is a highly contagious illness so it is important to practice good hygiene habits, that will help reduce its spread. If you know of someone who has mumps or suspect someone may have the illness, please contact your doctor. All cases of suspected mumps are to be reported to the East Central Health Department.
East Central Health District
4321 41st Ave
Columbus, Nebraska 68601
402-562-7500
Mumps is a viral illness that causes swelling of glands in the face and neck. Symptoms may include: earache, fever, jaw pain, fatigue, testicular pain, and muscle aches.
People with symptoms can be infectious from three days before symptom onset until five days after symptom onset. Those who are symptomatic should stay home and in an area away from others during this time to help limit the spread. Antibiotics are not a treatment option because mumps is a viral infection; it may be helpful to treat the symptoms, like pain and fever, with over the counter medications.
The mumps virus is highly contagious and is spread by coughing, sneezing and sharing saliva. People with mumps are most contagious for the three days before and five days after their symptoms begin. To prevent the spread of mumps:
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Always cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
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Wash hands frequently.
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Dispose of used tissues and other similar objects appropriately.
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Do not share glasses, eating utensils, water bottles, etc.
People who have had mumps are likely to be immune from the virus. Two doses of the MMR vaccine, adequately timed, are recommended to provide protection from mumps. If a person has been vaccinated, they are less likely, but still could become infected because over time immunity decreases. Those who have not been vaccinated or are not fully vaccinated should consider taking that step by contacting their physician, public immunization clinic or local pharmacy. Women who are pregnant and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of complications.
As a reminder, school policy states that if your child has a temperature of 100 degrees or more, he/she should be kept home. Do not send your child to school until they are fever free, without medicine, for 24 hours. Any fever that exists over a long period of time should be checked by your doctor. If your child develops a fever at school, parents will be contacted and asked to pick up the child. Please consult your own physician for diagnosis and in determining when your child is ready to return to school after a communicable disease such as mumps.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the school or the East Central Health District.
Clarkson Public School
Administration and Staff