Second mumps case reported at Berkeley High, exposure risk raised to moderate'

"The second reported case at BHS prompted Berkeley's public health department to increase its risk assessment for exposure on campus. The latest mumps case at BHS is linked to a person who was on campus while sick on Feb. 19 and 20, according to an email from Principal Juan Raygoza to the school community on Wednesday."

"BUSD families were urged to monitor symptoms through March 17 and keep sick kids at home. Officials advised BHS community members to avoid sharing utensils and drinks to prevent further spread. City health officials recommend the BHS community confirm vaccination status, and, if needed, complete vaccination."

"Mumps symptoms can include cheek or jaw swelling, fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue and pain near the ears and neck. Officials said the virus may be contagious before symptoms appear, which can be about 12 to 25 days after exposure."

Berkeley health officials issued a moderate-risk mumps exposure alert for Berkeley High School after confirming a second case on March 4, 2026, believed to spread through direct contact. The infected individual was on campus February 19-20 while symptomatic. This follows an earlier low-risk exposure alert in late February involving both Berkeley High School and Sylvia Mendez Elementary. School officials declined to disclose whether the case involved a student or staff member, or vaccination status. The district urged families to monitor symptoms through March 17, keep sick children home, and avoid sharing utensils and drinks. Health officials recommend confirming vaccination status and completing vaccination if needed. Enhanced surveillance and testing guidance are underway to detect additional cases.

Read at www.berkeleyside.org