Does the patient have to have 2 days of parotid swelling to be considered a case of mumps?
It does not have to be parotid swelling, the clinical case definition for mumps is an illness with acute onset of unilateral or bilateral tender, self-limited swelling of the parotid or other salivary gland, lasting > 2 days, and without other apparent cause. << Mumps information page From the onset of symptoms (glandular swelling) explain the IgM response. IgM antibodies are detectable within the first few days of illness, reach a maximum level about a week after the onset of symptoms, and remain elevated for several weeks or months. << Mumps information page How many cases of mumps in a school before the school should consider closing? Children in school should all have 2 MMR's with a very low number of children who may not be immunized due to medical/religious exemption. IDPH has a template letter that can be used to inform parents when a case of mumps is identified in a school if they choose to send notes home to parents. Remember to assess the immune status of the staff as well. I
