(BARRINGTON) In response to the mumps outbreak at Barrington High School, the Health Department and School District 220 are organizing a clinic for staff, faculty and students affiliated with the high school. It will take place early next week.  The Health Department is recommending a second dose of measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR) for those who have only received one dose, and one dose for those individuals born before 1957.

The Lake County Health Department is now reporting four confirmed cases and 35 probable or suspect cases of mumps in the area. Current information on the number of confirmed, probable and suspect cases is available to the public on the Health Department’s website .

“The vaccine against mumps is extremely effective and usually produces long lasting immunity,” said Mark Pfister, the Health Department’s executive director.  “While no vaccine is 100-percent effective, it is important for those who can be vaccinated to take this extra step and help protect those around them.”

Mumps is a serious contagious disease passed through saliva and respiratory secretions. This disease is spread by droplets of saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose or throat of an infected person, usually when the person coughs, sneezes or talks.

People with mumps are considered contagious typically two days before until five days after parotid swelling. Those with symptoms should stay home and contact their health care provider.

@ WLS-AMNews