BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) – A handful of mumps cases at a Bozeman elementary school led Gallatin County health officials to keep unvaccinated students out of classes until they’re sure no more students are contagious.
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports health officials contacted the parents of Morning Star Elementary students who have medical or religious exemptions from receiving vaccines and told them the students cannot attend school until the outbreak runs its course.
Health Officer Matt Kelly says they’re trying to prevent further spread of the virus and protect unvaccinated children.
One case of mumps has been confirmed by a lab test and four others have been diagnosed. Mumps is spread through infected saliva and causes swelling in the salivary glands.
It can take two to three weeks for someone infected with the virus to show symptoms, which typically include swelling of the face near the jaw.
