Anchorage, Alaska - Romig Middle School in Anchorage took swift action after a suspected case of mumps emerged within its community. The school cancelled all extracurricular activities for the day and initiated a thorough disinfection process as a precautionary measure, according to a message sent to families by Principal Carrie Sumner.

The Anchorage School District was alerted Thursday morning about a member of the Romig community undergoing testing for a suspected case of mumps, as mentioned in the message signed by Principal Sumner. Currently, it is unknown whether the individual is a student or a staff member, as district officials declined to provide specifics when approached for comment.

Mumps is considered relatively rare in Alaska and the United States. In 2023, only one case was reported in the state, while the nationwide tally stood at 436 cases, as per the data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, the incidence of mumps has been progressively increasing across the country in recent years.

The Alaska Department of Health confirmed that there have been no lab-confirmed cases of mumps reported this year. Dr. Louisa Castrodale, an epidemiologist from the department, emphasized the importance of self-isolation and testing for close contacts of individuals who test positive for mumps.

The Anchorage Health Department spokesperson, Michelle Fehribach, further emphasized that anyone identified as a close contact should take the necessary precautions and get tested by a healthcare provider.

As of now, it remains unknown whether there are any additional cases of mumps among students or staff within the school district. The Romig Middle School administration has taken prompt and proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its students and staff by implementing disinfection protocols and cancelling extracurricular activities temporarily.

The Anchorage School District and health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Meanwhile, it is crucial for individuals to stay vigilant, adhere to recommended health guidelines, and promptly report any concerning symptoms.

It is essential to note that mumps is a vaccine-preventable illness. Vaccination is a crucial measure to safeguard individuals and prevent further spread of the disease within the community.

The Anchorage School District is working closely with health officials and will continue to prioritize the health and safety of its students and staff members.