Public Health Advisory issued following two cases of mumps at Berkeley High | Local Schools

On March 6, the city of Berkeley issued a Public Health Advisory following two cases of mumps at Berkeley High School.

In February, an initial exposure notice was sent to Berkeley High and Sylvia Mendez Elementary School families. It informed them of possible mumps exposure while indicating low risk of transmission, according to an email from the Berkeley Unified Public Information Office.

Following this notice, the city of Berkeley’s Public Health department confirmed an additional case involving a member of the Berkeley High community. In an email sent to Berkeley High families, the city subsequently increased the risk level to moderate.

According to the Health Advisory released by the city’s Health, Housing, and Community Services Department, “there is no evidence of community-wide spread of Mumps nor is there evidence of an outbreak,” at this time.

Potential exposure at Berkeley High occurred Feb. 19 and 20, according to the advisory. Symptoms may take up to 25 days to present.

The school district said it continues to work closely with city public health officials, who are leading efforts to monitor the situation and reduce the risk of further spread.

As of now, there have been no changes to school operations or activities.

“Families and staff have been advised to monitor for symptoms, stay home when ill, ensure vaccinations are up to date, and avoid sharing drinks, cups, bottles, or utensils, which can spread the virus through saliva,” the BUSD PIO said in the email.

The district said it continues to encourage students who are experiencing symptoms to stay home, and has reminded families that the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine remains the strongest protection against the disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, individuals with one or two doses of the MMR vaccine can still develop mumps. The city’s health advisory recommends considering mumps in all patients who display symptoms regardless of vaccination status.

The most common symptom is unilateral or bilateral parotitis, or the swelling of the parotid salivary glands under the ears, according to the CDC. Other symptoms to look out for include the swelling of other salivary glands, fever, headache and muscle aches, according to the city’s health advisory. It also notes that up to 20% of cases may be asymptomatic.

“The health and safety of our students and staff remains our top priority,” the BUSD PIO said in the email.