Mumps cases at Barrington High School officially an outbreak

BARRINGTON, Ill. (WLS) -- With a third case of the mumps confirmed Tuesday at Barrington High School, the Lake County Health Department officials called the cluster of confirmed and probable mumps cases an outbreak.

The first case at the school was confirmed on March 2. There are an additional seven probable cases and 20 suspect cases at two high schools, two middle schools and the surrounding area, health officials said.

Earlier reports said there may have been one suspected case in Arlington Heights. District 25 officials said Tuesday that according to the Cook County Department of Public Health, test results were negative for a possible case of mumps at South Middle School.

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Symptoms include swollen glands along the jawline and in front of the ear. Other symptoms include headache, low-grade fever, fatigue and loss of appetite. Mumps is spread through coughing, sneezing and other contact with saliva.

After being exposed to the virus it can take two to three weeks for symptoms to arise and a person can be contagious a couple days before those symptoms develop.