Polk County Public Health confirms cases of mumps at Win-E-Mac

Recently, many shocked parents in the Win-E-Mac School district received a letter, just after the end of the school year. The letter was from Polk County Public Health and stated: “Dear Parents: Cases of mumps have been confirmed in students at Win-E-Mac School. The cases were identified at the end of the school year. We'd like to provide you with some information about mumps illness along with a few specific action steps. Mumps is an infection caused by a virus. The most common symptoms include swollen glands in front of and below the ear, fatigue, headache, and low-grade fever. Mumps is spread by coughing and sneezing or through direct contact with the saliva of an infected individual. Symptoms of mumps usually develop 16 to 18 days after exposure, but may develop from 12 to 25 days after exposure. Most individuals in Minnesota are vaccinated for mumps. The vaccine is about 85 percent effective, so it prevents a significant number of mumps cases. However, this also means that some individuals will get mumps even if they have been vaccinated. 

Here are some things you can do: 

Check your immunization records to make sure you've had two doses of the measles- mumps- rubella (MMR) vaccine. 

Watch for symptoms even if you have been vaccinated. Although you may have received the MMR vaccine, immunization is not always 100% effective, and immunity decreases over time. Early symptoms usually begin 2 to 3 weeks after exposure. If you develop symptoms, they would be expected to occur between now and June 13, 2017. 

Stay home and call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of mumps. Anyone suspected of having mumps should be evaluated by a health care provider- (Call the provider before going to the facility. - They may want you to go to a specific area and/or wear a mask). Note: It may be helpful to take this letter with you to show to your health care provider If symptomatic, stay home from school, work, daycares, or any group activities. Wash your hands often and cover your cough and sneezes 

Thank you, and please call Polk County Public Health at 218-281-3385, if you have additional questions.

Message to Minnesota Healthcare Provider: The MDH is currently recommending that individuals who receive this letter be evaluated for mumps: when there is presence of low-grade fever, headache and parotid, sublingual or submaxillary gland Swelling. If patient is exhibiting symptoms of mumps, collect specimens for PCR testing (buccal swab and urine) and calI MDH (651-201-5414) to report the suspect case, instructions for specimen collection and submission found here: http: Please call [ MDH at 651-201-5414 and ask to speak with someone about mumps if you have any questions. . : PO Box 403 o Crookston, MN 56716 218-281-3385 (office) o 218-281-7376 (fax)”

What is mumps? 

Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the saliva glands located between the ear and the jaw. What are the symptoms of mumps? Symptoms of mumps include low-grade fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and swollen salivary glands under the ears or jaw on one or both sides of the face (parotitis). What health problems does mumps cause Up to 30 percent of a people infected with the mumps virus do not have Symptoms. Orchitic (swelling of the testicles) is a common symptom in males after puberty. Rarely, swelling of the spinal cord and brain (encephalitis) occurs. How is mumps diagnosed? Mumps may be diagnosed by looking at symptoms and laboratory test results. Health care providers may collect samples from the mouth or throat, as well as urine and blood samples to test for the virus. There are other illnesses that can cause similar symptoms, so it is important that the correct laboratory testing is done. How is mumps spread? Mumps can be spread when a person with mumps coughs or sneezes near you, or if you touch fluids from the mouth or nose of a person with mumps and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Sharing beverage containers, eating utensils, cigarettes, and kissing are other examples of how the virus can be spread in fluids between individuals. How long is a person with mumps contagious? Mumps can be spread 2 days before symptoms appear through about 5 days after. Mumps is most contagious 48 hours before the illness begins. ls there a vaccine for mumps? Yes. Mumps vaccine is contained in the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella). One dose of mumps vaccine will be effective in approximately 80 percent of people vaccinated, but 2 doses of mumps vaccine will be effective in approximately 90 percent of people. This means it is still possible for someone with 2 doses of MMR to get mumps, Learn more on the MMR Measles,  What can be done to prevent mumps? The best way to prevent mumps is to get vaccinated. Persons who have mumps should stay at home for 5 days after swelling starts so that they do not spread it to others. is there a treatment for mumps? No, only symptom care. Vaccine-Preventable Disease Section PO Box 64975 St. Paul, MAN 55164-0975 551-25A14 www.health, state.m.us/immunize