Arlington Heights school cleaned after report of possible mumps case
Maintenance workers subjected South Middle School in Arlington Heights to a thorough cleaning Friday after reports that a student may have contracted mumps.
Workers cleaned all hard surfaces, including classrooms, restrooms and all "common touch areas" with a hospital-grade cleaner that kills the mumps virus on hard surfaces, said Adam Harris, communications coordinator for Arlington Heights School District 25.
In a letter sent Friday, Superintendent Lori Bein informed parents of a possible case of mumps at the school that serves about 850 sixth- through eighth-grade students. Bein indicated the district will remain in contact with the Cook County Department of Health and report to parents if any confirmed cases arise.
Facts about mumps
Facts about mumps
Incubation period: 2-3 weeks.
Contagious period: One or two days before to five days after onset of parotitis (swelling near the jaw and neck).
Symptoms: Swelling or pain close to the jaw on one or both sides of the face is the hallmark symptom. Also headache, low-grade fever, earache, sore throat or cough.
How it's spread: Sneezing, coughing, sharing of cups or other items with contact to saliva.
Treatment: Only general supportive therapy is needed. See your doctor if symptoms last more than two days.
Control of cases: Patients suspected of having mumps should remain home for five days after the onset of swelling.
Control of contacts: Students and staff not appropriately immunized will be excluded from work or classes from days 12 to 25 days after their last exposure.
Prevention measures: Ensure your child is up-to-date with vaccinations. Practice good hygiene throughout the day. Cover your nose and mouth with tissue or the crook of your arm when coughing or sneezing. Don't share items that go in the mouth.
Source: Lake County Health Department