Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia: Feb. 22, 2001

Got Mumps, Measles, Chickenpox? You Don't Want Them; Get Vaccinated Health Experts Say

ASHEVILLE - The latest data released by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services revealed that the religious exemption rate for childhood vaccines in Buncombe County increased for kindergarten, seventh and 12th grade for the 2022-23 school year compared to 2021-22. Meaning more children will be starting school this year without state-mandated vaccines for infectious diseases.

The Buncombe County Health Department is reminding parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated before school starts. The Citizen Times compiled a list of the diseases for which the health department requires children be vaccinated.

Parents and guardians have 30 days from the first day of school to turn in their up-to-date immunization records for kindergarten, seventh grade, and 12th grade, and students new to North Carolina schools, according to a Buncombe County news release.

"Once these illnesses begin circulating within a community, it creates unnecessary risk for those who cannot vaccinate due to age or other medical conditions," Buncombe County Public Health Director Ellis Matheson told the Citizen Times earlier this month.

"Given our high rate of religious exemptions to immunizations, this is a concern for our community. We want to protect all ages from preventable illness, and being up to date on your immunizations is one of the simplest, most effective steps you can take to create a shield of protection for yourself, your family, and the community,"

More: Student vaccine exemptions across Asheville, Buncombe schools some of highest in NC

What are the diseases?

DTaP: This is an infection caused by a bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and there are four kinds of vaccines used in the United States that help protect against it. This vaccine covers diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. The CDC website says diphtheria is now almost unheard of in the U.S., similarly with tetanus, with an average of 30 reported cases each year. Since the 1970s there has been an increase in reported whooping cough cases, according to the CDC.

Polio: According to the CDC, polio is a "disabling and potentially deadly disease." It is caused by the poliovirus and can be spread from person to person. It mainly infects a person's spinal cord and can cause paralysis. While there isn't a cure for polio, it can be prevented with the vaccine.

Measles: This very contagious contagious disease spreads through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Measles can start with a fever, red eyes, runny nose and cough and is followed by a rash of tiny, red spots, according to the CDC. This disease can be prevented with the vaccine commonly known as the MMR ― which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. The CDC website says that two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles and one dose is about 93% effective.

Mumps: This disease falls under the MMR vaccine, and typically starts with fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite. The mumps component of the MMR vaccine is about 88% effective when a person gets two doses; one dose is about 78% effective (these percentages can range from the low 30s to high 90s), according to the CDC.

Rubella: Referred to as German measles by the CDC, this is also a virus. Most people who get rubella have mild symptoms at first starting with a low-grade fever, sore throat, and a rash that starts on the face and can spread to the rest of the body. The CDC says that rubella can cause a miscarriage or serious birth defects in an unborn baby if caught while one is pregnant. This falls under the MMR vaccination and according to the CDC one dose of the MMR vaccine is about 97% effective at preventing this disease.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): A type of bacteria that can cause many different kinds of infections ― ranging from ear infections to serious bloodstream infections. It can result in serious illness and can be deadly in babies and children younger than 5 years old, according to the CDC. It recommends that all children younger than 5 in the U.S. Get this vaccination. Some of the most common types of diseases the CDC listed that are caused by H. Influenzae are pneumonia, meningitis, and epiglotittis (swelling in the throat).

Pneumococcal: This is a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus and can cause many types of infections, some of which can be life threatening. Some infections can occur in the lungs, blood, brain and spinal cord, sinus area and in the ears. The CDC says that vaccines are the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease. It can sometimes be treated by antibiotics, but some pneumococcal bacteria have become resistant to certain antibiotics — that's why the CDC recommends being vaccinated.

Meningococcal: According to the CDC about 1 in 10 people are carriers of this bacteria. Meningococcal "disease refers to any illness caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These illnesses are often severe, can be deadly, and include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream.," the CDC website said. It's known to spread through spit or saliva and keeping up to date with the vaccines is the best protection against this disease.

Chickenpox: The blister-like rash that is almost impossible not to itch causes about four million cases a year and up to 150 deaths, according to the CDC. Two doses of the vaccine are about 90% effective at preventing it. Some people who are vaccinated may still get the disease, but it is said to be a milder version.

To learn more about these diseases and their symptoms, visit the Recommended Vaccines by Disease site at cdc.Gov/vaccines.

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Where to get vaccinated?

Most vaccines are available at pediatrician and primary care doctors' offices, local pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, health centers, health departments, and travel clinics.

Children who are uninsured can still be vaccinated at a low or no cost. This is through the Vaccines for Children program, which offers free vaccines to eligible children up to 19 years old.

Parents and guardians can determine eligibility by calling 828-250-5096, according to a news release from the Buncombe County health department.

Asheville City Schools posted on its Facebook page, reminding parents and guardians that one of the most important items on the "school supply" list is getting their child vaccinated.

"Let your kids thrive this school year by getting the right supplies, a yummy breakfast, and the recommended vaccines to keep them healthy," the post said.

Most vaccines are available at doctor's offices, local pharmacies, health centers, health departments, and travel clinics.

With COVID-19 now at its highest since December in Buncombe County, and seasonal viruses on the way the health department says it is important to take precautions.

The Buncombe County Health Department is located at 40 Coxe Ave. In downtown Asheville and can be reached at 828-250-5096 to make an appointment for immunizations.

The health department also offers walk-in hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 8-11:30 a.M. And on Tuesday and Thursday between 1-4:30 p.M.

More information can be found on their website at Public Health - Immunizations (buncombecounty.Org).

More: COVID-19 on rise in NC and Buncombe, new booster shot coming soon

More: COVID-19 at eight-month high in Buncombe County, but tests are hard to find

McKenna Leavens is the education reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at mleavens@citizentimes.Com or follow her on Twitter @LeavensMcKennna. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Buncombe County Health Director: Get chickenpox, measles vaccines

Beu Health Center

Mumps FAQs Q: What is mumps? A: Mumps is a contagious viral infection of the salivary glands that is spread through saliva or mucus. The virus can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or kissing. Items used by an infected person such as drinking cups, eating utensils, toothbrushes, and cigarettes, can also be contaminated with the virus and spread to others when those items are shared. Q: Who is at risk for mumps? A: People at highest risk for mumps are those who have not received any doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and those who have received only one dose of MMR. For every 100 people vaccinated against mumps, 80 or 90 of them will be fully protected and 10 to 20 will remain at risk for the disease. Q: How do I protect myself from mumps? A: Make sure you are up-to-date on your MMR vaccine. If you are not sure if you received two doses of MMR vaccine, get vaccinated. Other things you can do to reduce the risk of being infected with the mumps virus include: washing your hands well and often with soap and water, not sharing eating utensils and beverages with others, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, cleaning frequently touched surfaces with soap and water, and avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick. Q: Can I receive a 3rd MMR vaccination? A: Current CDC guidelines do not require 3 MMR vaccinations. Students wishing to receive a 3rd MMR may receive one at Beu Health Center by calling our appointment line at (309) 298-1888. The charge for the vaccine at BHC is $95. Q: What are the symptoms of mumps? A: Mumps typically starts with a fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Some people will have swelling of their salivary glands, which is what causes the puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. Individuals with mumps are actually the most contagious two days before becoming ill and for five days after. The incubation period for someone who has caught the mumps virus is 12-25 days. Among males, mumps can lead to testicular inflammation that causes pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting and fever. Among some women with mumps, inflammation of the ovaries or breasts can occur. Anyone who experiences any of these symptoms should contact their doctor right away and limit their exposure to others. Q: Is there a cure for mumps? A: There are currently no medications to treat the mumps virus, but MMR vaccine prevents most cases of mumps and complications caused by the disease. Treatment for mumps is focused on relieving symptoms until your body's immune system fights off the infection. Q: What should I do if I have symptoms of the mumps? A: If you have any symptoms of the mumps, please isolate yourself and contact Beu Health center immediately, (309) 298-1888. Do not come directly to the health center without calling. If you have mumps symptoms we need to take precautions during your visit so that we do not infect other patients using the health center. We are providing as much information to educate the campus community about the mumps virus and how to prevent or treat the illness.

Mumps Phobia Spreads

The reactions Julie was getting seemed contagious: first sympathy, then fear.

After my daughter was diagnosed earlier this month with the mumps at Kansas University's Watkins Student Health Center, she was told she needed to move out of KU's Ellsworth Hall.

Julie, one of the 173 diagnosed cases at KU, insisted on going back to her dorm room with me to get her computer, books and clothes.

So she wore a surgical mask and carried a bottle of disinfectant for her hands.

"No : no : NO! Not you!" one student said when he saw Julie's mask.

Another student who lived on Julie's wing quickly pulled her T-shirt collar up to cover her nose and mouth and ducked behind her dorm room door.

"I'm sorry, but I can't afford to get sick during finals week," she said, peering out.

Protecting yourself

Their reactions made me wonder if I had done enough to protect myself at home or work.

After all, you don't always know you have the virus right away. Mumps, an infection of the salivary glands, is contagious from about seven days before swelling sets in to nine days after.

Sheryl Tirol-Goodwin, communications coordinator at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, said the best prevention is to make sure you've had two measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations.

"If you haven't had both of your MMRs, get the second one," Tirol-Goodwin said.

After that, it's just a matter of practicing healthy habits, she said.

The virus spreads through airborne microscopic water droplets in saliva or breath.

It's best to avoid sharing food and drinks. It's also wise to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and to avoid touching others.

Masking up

"We've told people who have the mumps to really isolate themselves," Tirol-Goodwin said.

If you have the mumps, she said it helps to wear a common surgical mask around others.

I wondered about getting goggles, a face shield or a mask that screens out nanoparticles for use at our home.

However, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-approved N-95 respirator masks, which filter 95 percent of particulate matter, aren't needed for mumps, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control.

"Properly worn procedure or surgical masks are sufficient," according to the CDC.

Gel sanitizers

Many of us work in offices where we share a desk or use the same computer, telephone or other office equipment.

Tirol-Goodwin recommends washing your hands frequently with soap and water to cut on the threat of exposure around the office.

However, you also can protect yourself by using hand sanitizers, she said.

The Food and Drug Administration recommends hand sanitizers that have a concentration of 60 percent to 95 percent ethanol or isopronal alcohol.

I've found a couple of brands, including Purell, Germ-X and Wet Ones, that claim to kill 99.9 percent of germs.

Cleaning keyboards

"What are you doing?" my wife asked when she saw I was about to spray my computer with a Lysol aerosol disinfectant.

She was right. Disinfectant wipes were probably the best way to go to avoid hurting the electronics.

I found a study that was just published by Dr. Bill Rutala, a University of North Carolina professor of medicine, in the journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology about the effectiveness of using disinfectant wipes to clean keyboards.

Rutala and his research team tested seven types of wipes on three types of bacteria found on hospital computers. All of the wipes removed or inactivated at least 95 percent to 100 percent of the bacteria.

And they didn't hurt the keyboard appearance, cause the letters to fade or affect the way the computers functioned, the researchers found.

Products tested included isopropyl alcohol wipes, CaviWipes, chlorine wipes, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Sani-Cloth Plus, Vesphene II SE wipes and paper towels moistened with sterile water.

Rutala's research didn't include the mumps virus.

And it didn't test computer keyboards used outside health care settings.

However, Rutala recommends using a disinfectant wipe to clean a keyboard if you're sharing it with someone else to prevent the spread of infection during cold and flu season.

Hands off

I did a double-take when Bonnie, Julie's twin sister, walked in the door a week ago.

"Where's Julie?" Bonnie asked, her voice slightly muffled.

Bonnie was not only wearing a mask but also surgical gloves.

"Isn't that a little overkill?" I said, laughing.

But Bonnie was serious about protecting herself. She had just returned for the summer from the University of Iowa, which had a bigger mumps outbreak than KU.

"Julie, stay over there," she said sternly. It was a strange Mother's Day, with both of the twins masked up.

But there has been a bright side to our family's episode with the mumps: There hasn't been any arguing about sharing clothes for the last nine days.

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