Unvaccinated child tests positive for mumps at York High School
YORK (WGME) -- An unvaccinated student at York High School has tested positive for mumps according to the Maine CDC.
The Maine CDC says this is the first case of 2019.
Maine CDC officials say an unvaccinated York High School student got the mumps while travelling abroad, and say there is a chance they infected others at the school, and in a neighboring community.
Some parents of York High students say the news is shocking, but doesn’t scare them.
"We do feel comfortable that our kids are in a position, and our school district is in a position, to be fairly well protected from any kind of outbreak," parent Dick Bachelter said.
York High School officials say the infected student went to school between March 6-9, and traveled to a basketball game at Massabesic High School on March 7.
Maine CDC officials say the mumps is highly contagious, and will cause fever headaches and red swelling.
Health officials say mumps is preventable through vaccinations, and a person is nine times more likely to get the mumps if they aren't vaccinated.
York High School officials say anyone with questions or concerns about the situation should contact their local health care provider.
To help reduce the risk of mumps, take these simple precautions:
- Do not share food, drinks, water bottles, utensils or other personal items that may contain saliva.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wash your hands before eating or before touching your mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. If a tissue is not available, sneeze or cough into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that may be contaminated with germs. Clean and disinfect communal surfaces frequently.
- Get vaccinated with two doses of MMR vaccine if you haven’t already.
- People who get mumps should stay home for five days after onset of symptoms and limit contact with others in their household.