A number of cases of mumps have been reported in the past few weeks at Wheaton College in Illinois. The affected students have been isolated from the university community and all are expected to recover fully without complication.
These cases are being closely watched because of an outbreak of mumps that began last year in Iowa, and has subsequently spread to several other Midwestern states.
Mumps is an acute viral infection characterized by non-specific symptoms including, muscle aches, loss of appetite and fever followed by unilateral or bilateral swelling of parotid or other salivary glands. Complications of mumps infection can include deafness, inflammation of the testicles, ovaries, or breasts, pancreatitis, meningitis/encephalitis, and spontaneous abortion. With the exception of deafness, these complications are more common among adults than children.
Transmission of mumps virus occurs by direct contact with respiratory droplets or saliva. The incubation period is generally 16-18 days from exposure to onset of symptoms.
Presently, there are no cases of mumps at Washington University.
Student Health Services is recommending that students review their mumps immunization history to make certain that they have received two doses of MMR vaccine or have had a blood test that indicates mumps immunity. Students who have only received one dose of MMR vaccine should obtain a second dose.
The vaccine is available by appointment at the Habif Health and Wellness Center by calling 935-6666 or online at http://shs.wustl.edu/.