Mumps case victim at York High had not been vaccinated

AUGUSTA, Maine - State health officials are investigating a confirmed case of mumps at York High School, the first mumps case reported this year.

According to a press release, the student had not been vaccinated against the illness and may have exposed others at the school from March 6-8 and at the Unified basketball game at Massabesic High School gym on March 7.

The student acquired mumps while traveling outside the United States, according to Maine CDC.

"Mumps is a highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever, headache and swelling of the salivary glands," the news release said. "Other symptoms associated with mumps include low-grade fever, fatigue, muscle aches and loss of appetite. Complications can include redness and swelling of the testicles in males, inflammation of the brain or membrane covering the spinal cord, inflammation of the ovaries in females, loss of pregnancy, and permanent hearing loss."

The release also noted that symptoms usually appear 16 to 18 days after infection, but can range from 12 to 25 days. There is no specific treatment for mumps. Anyone with symptoms should contact their healthcare provider for evaluation.

Mumps is spread through saliva or mucus and objects or surfaces touched by an infected person.