Health Department Reports Positive Test for Mumps in FDL County

The Fond du Lac County Health Department is reporting that
a child in Fond du Lac County has tested positive for mumps. The health
department says the child attends Jesus Little Lambs Child Care in Fond du Lac.
A letter was sent to parents of children who have not received the Measles,
Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine on Wednesday, saying those children cannot return
to the childcare center until they have received the vaccine or until the incubation
period has passed. That incubation period is July 10^th to July 23^rd. 

Mumps is spread through the saliva or mucus of an infected
person and can be spread by coughing, sneezing or talking. Symptoms include fever,
headache, muscle ache, tiredness and loss of appetite. Patients also experience
swelling along the cheek and jaw.

The health department stresses that the best protection
against the mumps is the MMR vaccine. The first dose is recommended in children
when they are 12-15 months old. A second dose Is available when they reach age
four. The health department says any signs of the disease should be reported immediately
to a doctor. Questions can be directed to the Fond du Lac County Health Department
at 929-3085.