Barrington 220 Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Brian Harris notified parents late today that the Lake County Health Department (LCHD) has confirmed a third case of mumps at Barrington High School. Because of the third confirmed case, Dr. Harris says “outbreak control” protocol requires the LCHD to work with the Illinois Department of Public Health to provide a free Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine clinic for eligible Barrington High School students and staff.
Dr. Harris says he anticipates the clinic will be available later this week. More information regarding eligibility, time and location of the clinic will be communicated when details are available.
The mumps virus is not contained to Barrington High School. LCHD has confirmed additional cases in and around the Barrington area, with reports of several probable and suspect cases at both Prairie and Station Middle Schools. “In order to reduce the spread of mumps throughout our community, please keep your child home from school if they experience any of the signs and symptoms of the disease.” Dr. Harris says. “Be sure to notify your child’s physician as well as the school nurse.”
Dr. Harris says the district will continue to have daily conversations with the LCHD and will provide the community with any new information as it becomes available. Here is more information about the mumps virus, according to the FAQ page at Barrington220.org…
Mumps FAQ
Barrington 220 School District is working closely with the Lake County Health Department regarding the recent identification of mumps virus in the Barrington community.
As of March 7, Lake County has confirmed three cases at Barrington High School and several probable and suspect cases involving BHS, Prairie and Station Middle Schools.
What are the signs and symptoms of mumps?
From Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Mumps is a contagious disease that is caused by a virus. Mumps typically starts with fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Then, most people will have swelling of their salivary glands. This is what causes the puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw.”
How does a person contract the mumps?
From Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
“An infected person can spread the virus by
- coughing, sneezing, or talking,
- sharing items, such as cups or eating utensils, with others, and
- touching objects or surfaces with unwashed hands that are then touched by others.
Mumps likely spreads before the salivary glands begin to swell and up to five days after the swelling begins.”
If I have signs and symptoms of the mumps, what should I do?
According to the Lake County Health Department, anyone experiencing signs and symptoms of the mumps should stay home from school or work and notify a physician as well as the school nurse. Inform your healthcare provider that mumps are present in your community.
What kind of testing is done to identify mumps?
From Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “CDC recommends that a buccal or oral swab specimen and a blood specimen be collected from all patients with clinical features compatible with mumps.”
When is this issue considered an outbreak?
As of March 7, Barrington High School has three laboratory confirmed cases linked by time and place. Because BHS has reached three confirmed cases, the Lake County Health Department considers this an outbreak.
If a person is vaccinated, are they fully protected against the mumps?
From Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Mumps can be prevented with MMR vaccine. This protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. CDC recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination.
MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. The mumps component of the MMR vaccine is about 88% (range: 66-95%) effective when a person gets two doses; one dose is about 78% (range: 49%−92%) effective.”
What If I’m unsure of my vaccination status?
Call your physician to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your immunity to mumps.
What is being done to clean schools?
Barrington 220 facilities are always cleaned thoroughly each night. Due to the presence of mumps in the community, extra custodians are being brought in as needed. As directed by the CDC, custodians will clean all high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, tables, chairs and bathrooms with a bleach-based solution.
What is being done to clean buses?
Barrington Transportation Company has been instructed to clean its buses with the same protocols being implemented in our facilities.
Will school be closed due to the mumps virus?
As of March 6, no plans are in place to close school due to the presence of the mumps virus. Barrington 220 is taking direction from the Lake County Health Department and Illinois Department of Public Health regarding this issue, and will keep the community updated on any new developments.
Is there anything else I should know?
Please visit the CDC website for more information regarding mumps and how to prevent it.
Formed in 1973, Barrington Community Unit School District 220 educates over 9,000 students at one high school, two middle schools (grades 6-8), eight elementary schools, and one early childhood center. District 220 encompasses 72 square miles in 4 counties and covers 12 villages: all of Barrington, Lake Barrington, Tower Lakes; and portions of Barrington Hills, Carpentersville, Deer Park, Fox River Grove, Port Barrington, Hoffman Estates, Inverness, North Barrington, and South Barrington. Learn more at Barrington220.org.
