Mumps

Fever, swelling at the angle of the jaw, more tired than usual, sore throat, ear ache, headache, and sensitivity to light.
Mumps is spread by coming into direct contact with the saliva or respiratory droplets of an infected person. These droplets can also be released into the air by talking, coughing or sneezing. A person is able to spread the virus 6-7 days before their symptoms appear and up to 5 days after swelling of the glands at the angle of the jaw appears
To reduce the risk of transmission, practice proper hand hygiene, good surface cleaning, sanitizing objects that may be put in a child’s mouth, ensure fresh air ventilation, follow cough and sneeze etiquette and use personal protective equipment (PPE) if appropriate. Immunization, when available will also significantly reduce risk.
Exclusion from school is necessary for approximately 5 days after the swelling at the angle of the jaw appears.

Communication Notice (recommended to be distributed if two or more cases are present)

School and Address

Date

Dear Parent/Guardian,

This letter is to inform you that mumps has been identified at our school.  This disease is spread through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from an infected person. These droplets can also be released into the air by talking, coughing or sneezing. The symptoms to watch for are fever, swelling at the angle of the jaw, fatigue, sore throat, ear ache, headache, and light sensitivity.

Steps to prevent infection should always be followed. Remind your child to practice proper hand hygiene, cough or sneeze into their sleeve, discard used kleenexes properly and keep your child home if at any time they show any symptoms of an illness. Immunization will also significantly reduce risk.

For more information, please check out this fact sheet at: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/cdpc/cdc/documents/Mumps-General-Information-EN.pdf

For specific questions, contact a health care provider, 811, or Public Health.

Sincerely,

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