2MUMPS CASES AT BARRINGTON H. S.

Parents are being urged to watch children for symptoms after two cases of mumps were confirmed, and about 20 suspected cases were being monitored at three schools in Barrington.

“The Lake County Health Department has confirmed two cases of mumps at Barrington High School with several probable cases waiting for confirmation,” Barrington Community Unit School District 220 Supt. Brian Harris said in a post on the district website. “In addition, there are several suspected cases of mumps that have been reported at both Prairie and Station middle schools.”

Lisa Dallmeyer, communicable disease specialist for the Lake County Health Department, said that two cases were confirmed at the high school, which also has one probable case and 11 suspected cases. There are seven suspected cases at the two middle schools.

The confirmed cases included one adult and one student at Barrington High. The student had received the MMR vaccines, which Dallmeyer called the best way to protect a child.

She said most students in the Barrington schools have been vaccinated, with the exception of about 40 who had medical or religious exemptions.

The school district is working with the health department and being “very proactive” to help reduce the spread of the virus, she said.

That includes cleaning school buildings every night, with special attention paid to “high- touch surfaces” such as tables and chairs, Harris said.

“The most important factor in reducing the spread of mumps is being aware of the symptoms,” he said. “If you or your student experience any of the common signs and symptoms of the disease, please stay home from school and contact a physician as well as the school nurse.”

Mumps is a contagious viral disease, according to the health department. The most common symptom is swelling or pain close to the jaw, or on one or both sides of the face. Other symptoms include headache, low- grade fever, earache, sore throat or cough, tiredness and loss of appetite.