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Education news and issues in the Ozarks.

Another Springfield Public Schools Student Diagnosed with Mumps

thelancet.com

Another case of mumps has been confirmed in a Springfield Public Schools student.  The child diagnosed attends Westport Middle School.

The district recently alerted parents that a child attending Carver Middle School was diagnosed with mumps.  Two students who attend Bissett  Elementary were also diagnosed along with a student at Central High School.

According to SPS officials, parents should monitor their children for symptoms, which include swollen glands in front of and below the ear, and possibly a headache and fever.  If symptoms appear, parents should contact their child’s primary healthcare provider.

Parents are encouraged to have their children immunized against mumps if they aren’t already.  In the event of an outbreak, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services requires all students who aren’t vaccinated to stay home for at least 26 days.

For those without insurance, shots are available at the Springfield-Greene County Health Department’s West Side Public Health Center and at Jordan Valley Community Health Center.

Learn more about mumps here.

Michele Skalicky has worked at KSMU since the station occupied the old white house at National and Grand. She enjoys working on both the announcing side and in news and has been the recipient of statewide and national awards for news reporting. She likes to tell stories that make a difference. Michele enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and leisurely kayaking.