Mumps virus

An acute viral disease characterized by fever, malaise, swelling, tenderness and pain in or behind the ear, loss of appetite, nausea, headache, and complaints of an earache that is aggravated by chewing.  Tenderness, swelling in the parotid gland (under jaw area), and pain when chewing or when drinking sour or acidic liquids.

Twelve to twenty-five days, usually eighteen days

By droplet spread and by direct contact with saliva of an infected person.

Six days before the earliest symptoms to as long as nine days.  Mumps is contagious until the swelling disappears.

Mumps vaccine is recommended within twenty-four hours of exposure for susceptible children and adult male contacts that have not been previously immunized.  Vaccine can be given at twelve months or older.

Exclude from school.  Student must have note to return. Other children in the family may attend school but the teacher should observe them closely and exclude immediately at the earliest symptom of illness.  Immediately report cases to Student Health Services at # ______________________.