South Meck Students Need Immunizations Before Returning To School

A South Mecklenburg High School student has been diagnosed with parotitis, which may have come from the mumps virus, and the school's staff did not hesitate in getting the word out.

A recorded message was sent to every parent of a South Meck student after Principal Maureen Furr was told the disease is very contagious.

"We were contacted by the Department of Health that we had a student (illness) that could have been caused by the mumps virus," Furr said.

VIDEO: Possible Case Of Mumps At South Charlotte High School

Most students have already received vaccinations for things like mumps and measles.

But Furr said more than 40 students who do not have the proper immunizations are being told to stay home until they get the proper shots.

Some of the parents who heard the message of a possible mumps case were alarmed but also relieved to hear the news early instead of being surprised later.

"I was impressed they got [the word] out so soon," one parent said.

The Connect-Ed phone system has been used throughout Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools all year.

Teachers and principals can record a message and send it out to thousands of parents in seconds. It's convenient for CMS staff, but it's also reassuring for parents.