Mumps

A case of mumps has been confirmed in the school. Please read the following information.

Mumps is an acute viral infection that is spread from person to person. Mumps is a notifiable disease. Symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, tiredness and swollen, tender salivary glands (usually the parotid gland which is located just below the front of the ear). Mumps often gives the appearance of swollen cheeks or jaw. If you have mumps symptoms you should stay at home, not go to school or work and phone your GP and explain that you may have mumps. The best protection against mumps is to be fully vaccinated with 2 doses of the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine.
 
Mumps may affect other organs such as the testes. Mumps can be spread by droplets from the nose and throat and by saliva. Prevention is by encouraging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated.
 
Precautions: Pupils should be appropriately immunised with two doses of the MMR vaccine. If there is evidence of spread of mumps within the school, parents will be informed. All staff working in schools should ensure they are protected against mumps, either by vaccination or a history of mumps infection.
 
Frequent hand washing especially after contact with secretions from the nose or throat is important.
 
Exclusion: The case (staff or pupil) should be excluded for 5 days after the onset of swelling.
 
Resources: Useful information on mumps can be found at http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/VaccinePreventable/Mumps/.