2 Confirmed Cases of Mumps; Many More Suspected at Barrington Schools

A second case of mumps has been confirmed at Barrington High School while several more cases are waiting confirmation within the high school and among children at both Prairie and Station Middle Schools in Barrington, school officials said Thursday.

Lisa Dallmeyer, a communicable disease specialist for the Lake County Health Department, told the Lake Zurich Courier there are eight additional probable cases of mumps at Barrington High.

"There is something going on at Barrington High School," she told the newspaper.

In a message to parents on Thursday, District 220 Superintendent Brian Harris said school officials have been in constant contact with the Lake County Health Department regarding the mumps cases and are following health officials guidance in helping to reduce the spread of the virus in the Barrington community.

"The most important factor in reducing the spread of mumps is being aware of the symptoms," he wrote. "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."

In a districtwide message sent on Feb. 28, school officials alerted parents, students and staff about the first confirmed case of mumps -- a student. The second confirmed case was an adult at Barrington High, Dallmayer told the the Lake Zurich Courier.

Health officials are saying more cases could occur since those with the contagious disease, and those suspected to have mumps, are from all different grade levels, according to the Daily Herald. They are calling the current cases "a cluster," since there have been only two cases, and not referring to it as an outbreak.

The first student confirmed to have mumps was properly vaccinated and school officials are investigating whether other students suspected of having the disease received their vaccines, according to the Daily Herald.

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More via the Lake Zurich Courier and the Daily Herald