Mumps outbreak forces Gilbert students to stay home from school

GILBERT, AZ - Students at a Gilbert Elementary school have been forced to stay home after health officials confirmed an outbreak of mumps.

A 4th grade student has tested positive for mumps. Health officials have told parents 19 students who have not been vaccinated for the virus must stay home for the next 26 days.

According to officials with the Maricopa County Public Health Department, it takes 26 days from the time you are infected to see if you are contaminated with the virus. 

Because mumps is so rare, it only takes one case to call it an outbreak.  The last case of Mumps reported in Maricopa county was in 2010.

“Vaccination is a team sport. If your defense doesn’t’ show it, than the other team will score. We need to have everyone vaccinated so the disease doesn’t have room to spread,” said Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, Maricopa County Public Health Department.

If you see signs of swelling and tenderness of one or more of the salivary glands or have a low grade fever you might want to get tested.

Adults must also get vaccinated twice after they turn 18.