One Case Of Mumps Reported At Bonnie McBeth In Plainfield

PLAINFIELD, IL — Officials say a single case of mumps has been reported at Bonnie McBeth Early Learning Center in Plainfield. One child in the main facility's morning session was diagnosed with the virus Tuesday.

Mumps is a viral infection of the salivary glands near the ears, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include swelling of the face, pain while chewing or swallowing, fever, headache and fatigue. It is highly contagious.

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An outbreak of ten probable cases of the virus was reported at Lewis University's Romeoville Campus earlier in December, prompting officials there to cancel most campus events and reschedule graduation.

Mumps is spread through droplets of saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose or throat of an infected person, usually by a cough or a sneeze. Items can also carry the virus if an infected person has touched them. In a letter to parents yesterday, District 202 officials said the school had conducted extra cleaning in consultation with the Will County Health Department.

"Please remind your student about the need for basic hygiene, most especially covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing," the district's letter reads. "It is also very important that students wash their hands before any activity that brings hands in contact with the mouth."

Health Department officials say anyone experiencing any of the symptoms of mumps should seek medical attention immediately, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated. If your child is diagnosed with mumps, he or she will need to stay home until no longer contagious, officials said.

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