We got a note from the Verona Health Department today urging parents to take a few easy steps to prevent the spread of mumps, which the department says is still circulating.
Here’s what you need to know. First, make sure your family is up to date on MMR vaccinations. That’s either one or two doses of the vaccine, depending on the kids’ ages. Remind them to not share eating utensils, cups or plates and to wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs. Make sure they cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent the mumps virus from being released into the air and spreading. And most importantly, if your child does get sick, keep him out of group activities like summer camp. The Health Department says people who get mumps can spread it for 5 days after they develop symptoms.
If you need a reminder on what the symptoms are, try this from the New Jersey Health Department’s Communicable Disease Service or the Mayo Clinic.
