Wuhec Hesthy Peogie Healthy Communities March 3, 2020 ‘A case of mumps has been identified in an individual at West Ashley High School. You are receiving this letter because you may have been exposed to this individual between February 20-24, 2020. Mumps is a contagious viral infection that may result in parotitis—which causes swelling in the cheak and jaw area below the ear. Other common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite. Symptoms usually appear about 16-18 days afler infection, but can range from 12-25 days affer infection. Some people who get mumps have very mild or no symptoms and often do not know they have the disease. Most people with mumps recover completely in a few weeks. Mumps can occasionally cause complications, especially in adults. Complications include deafness, inflammation of the testicies, ovaries, brain, and tissue covering the brain, ‘Mumps is spread thraugh saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat. An infected person can spread the virus by: coughing: sneezing; talking: kissing; sharing items such as drinks, cigarettes or eating ‘utensils; or touching objects or surfaces with unwashed hands that are then touched by others. People with mumps can spread it for twa days before the salivary glands begin to swell and five days after the swelling begins. To prevent the spread af the mumps virus: wash your hands frequently; don't share food, beverages, eating utensils or cigarettes; cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze; and avoid close contact with il individuals, ‘Mumps can be prevented with MMR (measies-mumps-rubella) vaccine. A single dose of vaccine is estimated lo be 78% effective at preventing mumps, while two doses are about 88% effective. W you have not previously received two doses of MMR, getting one after exposure may not prevent infection in that instance, but it may provide protection against future exposures. If you are vaccinated with MMR vaccine, your risk of mumps infection is lower; however, it is important to bbe aware of the signs and symptoms because even fully vaccinated individuals can contract the disease Please monitor for symptoms through March 20, 2020. Persons with swelling in their cheek and jaw should avoid close contact with others, call shead to their medical provider, and wear a mask while in the waiting room. If you develop symptoms, please notify your health care provider that you were exposed to a confirmed case of mumps. For any questions, you may contact the Lowcountry On-Call Epidemiologist at 843-441-1091 Sincerely, Kh ieftbdr stb Katherine J Richardson, MD, MPH Medical Director Lowcountry Public Health Region Department of Health and Environmental Control Cokembla SCZIO! (BUBJBDAIASZ — wanwscdher gov