Miami University Student Health Services has confirmed a case of mumps in a female student on campus.
Mumps is a contagious viral disease of the respiratory system that is spread through saliva or mucus when someone coughs or sneezes. Director of News and Communications Claire Wagner said symptoms can mirror those of more common and minor viral infections, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite. However, a noticeable characteristic of the disease is swollen salivary glands beneath the ears or jaw.
"Incubation period can be a few weeks," Wagner said. "That is why it is important to get the word out, because it can look like a cold at first, but can progress into something much worse. We want students to be aware."
Symptoms last on average between five and seven days, and serious complications are rare, but could amount to infertility or meningitis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mumps was once a common illness in children and young adults, but has become relatively rare since the creation of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) in 1963, which is now widely used. The vaccine is usually administered in two doses to children - the first when the child is around 12 months old and the second before the child attends kindergarten. Further doses of the vaccine are generally not recommended. Those that did not receive the vaccination are susceptible to developing mumps.
Mumps outbreaks are popping up throughout the state, with 265 cases confirmed in central Ohio, according to USA Today. The first case was reported at The Ohio State University Feb. 11, and 176 cases have been reported there since.
To prevent the spread of mumps, Student Health Services advises students to wash hands well with soap, avoid sharing food or utensils, clean surfaces that are frequently touched, minimize contact with those who are sick and cover mouths when sneezing or coughing.
If you have concerning symptoms or would like more information about mumps and how it is spread, visit the Health Center or call 529-3000.
Enjoy what you're reading?
Signup for our newsletter
Read More
How one professor and her classes are preserving Oxford’s Black history
By Sean Scott | March 20, 2024Jazma Sutton, an assistant professor of history, teaches The Black Midwest (HST 350Q) and Black Women in America (HST 450D) classes. In both courses, she has students working with the Smith Library of Regional History and Miami’s archives to document and preserve Black history in Oxford.
Miami faculty members recount Freedom Summer in new documentary
By Luke Macy | February 25, 2022After seven years of work, “Training for Freedom,” a documentary highlighting Oxford’s involvement in the Freedom Summer of 1964, premiered on PBS Western Reserve on Valentine’s Day.
“Documenting the COVID-19 Pandemic”: History in the making
By Alice Momany | August 29, 2021In March 2020, Miami University’s archives launched “Documenting the COVID-19 Pandemic,” a collection focused on life during the COVID-19 pandemic.