Parents in Nairobi are being asked to keep a close eye on their children after a mumps alert in city schools.
The Nairobi County government has warned of a possible outbreak and advised that any child showing symptoms should stay home until fully recovered.
County Chief Officer for Public Health, Tom Nyakaba, confirmed that his office has already sent alerts to schools with guidance on how to stop further spread.
“We have advised schools to ensure their children are at home when they are exposed to the infection,” Nyakaba said.
He said there is no need for panic, as the numbers remain low.
The county has recorded about 11 cases over the last two months, with the three latest cases reported in a school in Langata. Affected learners are currently self-isolating.
In an advisory dated October 7, one private school in Nairobi informed parents that mumps is viral, contagious and symptoms usually appear 12 to 25 days after exposure.
Common signs include painful swelling around the jaw, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and headache. The virus spreads through airborne droplets and direct contact.
County officials are urging good hygiene, ventilation in classrooms, and quick medical attention for any suspected case.
