Public Health Notice Regarding a Case of Mumps in the School

Dear Parent or Guardian,

We are writing to inform you that the school has been notified of a confirmed case of Mumps in a student in 4th Year.

We have followed all advice from the Department of Public Health, and the affected individual is absent from school. 

What is Mumps?

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that is spread from person to person through coughs, sneezes, and direct contact with saliva or nasal discharge.

  • Symptoms: The most common symptoms are fever, headache, tiredness, and the characteristic swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands (usually the parotid gland, located just below the front of the ear). This can give the appearance of swollen cheeks or a swollen jaw.

  • Incubation Period: Symptoms can develop anywhere from 12 to 25 days after exposure to the virus.

  • Infectiousness: A person with mumps is considered infectious from a few days before the swelling appears until 5 days after the swelling begins.

What You Need To Do Now

The best way to protect your child and the wider school community is through full vaccination with the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine.

  1. Check Your Child’s Vaccination Status:

    • The national immunisation schedule recommends 2 doses of the MMR vaccine (one at 12 months, and a second at 4–5 years).

    • If your child has received both doses of MMR, the chance of them developing mumps is very low.

    • If your child has not received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, or if you are unsure of their status, please contact your GP immediately for advice on getting the vaccine. While a vaccine given now may not protect them from this specific exposure, it is vital for their future protection.

  2. Monitor Your Child Closely for Symptoms:

    • Please be vigilant for any symptoms of mumps, especially the swollen cheeks or jaw.

    • If your child develops symptoms, do not send them to school.

  3. If You Suspect Mumps:

    • Contact your General Practitioner (GP) immediately by phone and explain that your child may have been exposed to mumps. Your GP will be able to advise you on diagnosis and care.

    • The child must stay at home for 5 days after the swelling of the salivary glands begins.

  4. Practice Good Hygiene:

    • Encourage frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water.

    • Ensure your child uses a tissue to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and disposes of the tissue immediately.

    • Do not share eating utensils, water bottles, or cups.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us prevent the spread of this infection.

If you have any further medical questions about mumps or the MMR vaccine, please contact your family doctor or the HSE Department of Public Health.

Yours sincerely,

Mr. Seán Twomey   
Principal