Which is the appropriate return-to-child-care guidance for a child with mumps?

Which is the appropriate return-to-child-care guidance for a child with mumps?

• A. He can return once he becomes afebrile and can tolerate eating
• B. He can return 9 days after onset of symptoms
• C. He can return when he is well enough participate in activities
• D. He can return after a minimum of 5 days of antibiotic therapy

Answer: (B)

Contagious period and safe return to child care are the key ideas. Mumps is a viral illness spread through respiratory droplets, and a child remains contagious for about 9 days after the onset of symptoms. Because of that, the prudent guidance is to exclude from child care until 9 days after symptoms begin. After that window, if the child is fever-free and well enough to participate in activities, they can return. Antibiotics don’t treat mumps and don’t shorten contagiousness, so starting antibiotics isn’t a valid reason for return. Returning earlier based on fever resolution or appetite is not enough to prevent spread to others.

Contagious period and safe return to child care are the key ideas. Mumps is a viral illness spread through respiratory droplets, and a child remains contagious for about 9 days after the onset of symptoms. Because of that, the prudent guidance is to exclude from child care until 9 days after symptoms begin. After that window, if the child is fever-free and well enough to participate in activities, they can return. Antibiotics don’t treat mumps and don’t shorten contagiousness, so starting antibiotics isn’t a valid reason for return. Returning earlier based on fever resolution or appetite is not enough to prevent spread to others.