by Anja Hammega, R.N.Dear Parents,
A case of mumps has been reported in grade 4 please observe your child for the symptoms of mumps.
What is mumps?
Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. There is no cure for mumps, and it can cause long-term health problems. The MMR vaccine protects against mumps.
What are the symptoms of mumps?
Symptoms appear 14-24 days after infection. Mumps usually occurs in late winter or early spring and is less contagious than measles or chicken pox.
Mumps usually causes the following
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite (not wanting to eat)
- Swollen glands under the ears or jaw
These symptoms last 7 to 10 days.
Some people with mumps have no symptoms. Others feel sick but do not have swollen glands.
How serious is mumps?
In most children, mumps is pretty mild, but it can cause serious, lasting problems. These include meningitis (infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) and deafness. In rare cases, mumps is deadly.
How does mumps spread?
Mumps spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Mumps can spread before swollen glands appear and for 5 days afterward. Children with mumps should stay home from school or child care settings for at least 5 days to avoid spreading the disease to others.
Should you suspect that your child may be infected please consult your Family physician and inform our office. For more information please check the following website: