Case of Mumps confirmed at Grant County School

| February 18, 2017 12:00 AM

EPHRATA — GCHD has identified one mumps case in a student at Parkway School located in Ephrata. That makes a total of nine identified cases of Mumps in Grant County; more are still under investigation.

Mumps is a contagious disease, and there have been about 350 cases reported in several Washington State counties. GCHD is encouraging everyone to take precautions to help stop the spread of the illness.

Even if someone is fully vaccinated for mumps, there is still a small chance that they can get sick with mumps. We are asking that you make sure everyone in the home is fully protected against mumps. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need a vaccine or other assistance.

If anyone in your home feels sick with mumps, doctors need you to:

Stay inside your home away from people for at least 5 days and limit all contact with others. Do not go to school or work. Do not go to public places like restaurants, stores, church, etc. Do not go on a plane or use public transportation.
Call the Grant County Health District (509-766-7960) AND your doctor. Please call your doctor before going to their clinic. Wear a mask when going to your doctor. We are here to help you if you have mumps and to help your family members not get sick.
Do not cough near others. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently. Cover your coughs/sneezes so other people do not get your germs. Do not share drinks. Do not share forks or spoons.

According to the GCHD, if there is a mumps outbreak in your child's school and you choose to not vaccinate your child, who is not immune, the child will be excluded through 25 days after the last possible exposure (contact).

If there are additional cases in the school, then the duration of the school exclusion will be extended, often for additional weeks, unless you choose to immunize your child with MMR. If excluded, your child will be allowed back to school immediately if you choose to vaccinate him/her with MMR.

If you have questions or concerns, you may call the Grant County Health District at 509-766-7960.