Warning to parents after primary school student contracts mumps
A primary school is warning parents to keep a look out for mumps after a child at a Cairn’s school contracted the virus.
Woree State School wrote on its Facebook page: “We have been advised of a case of mumps affecting a student enrolled at our school”.
“The Queensland Health infectious conditions guidelines have been followed.
“In the interest of our students’ health and safety, we are advising all families. If your child presents with any symptoms which indicate possible mumps, consider seeking medical advice.”
According to Queensland Health, mumps is an infection of the salivary glands.
One third of those infected will not show symptoms, but they can include a high fever, loss of appetite, swollen salivary glands, tiredness and headaches.
Mumps is spread by saliva or droplets from sneezes and coughs of an infected person.
Queensland Health said the contagious period begins two days before and ends four days after the onset of the infection.
The health service recommends keeping people with mumps out of child care, school and work until five days after the onset of symptoms.
Treatment is not usually required for the mumps virus.
