SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- A San Diego State University student was diagnosed with mumps, prompting a warning to students and school staff to contact their health provider if they notice any symptoms related to the illness.
In a message sent to SDSU students and staff members on Thursday, Student Health Services Medical Director Dr. Cynthia Cornelius said the single confirmed mumps case involved a student who lives off campus.
Citing privacy reasons, the school did not provide any further details on the student.
Cornelius said, “While the health officials believe that the risk is minimal to our campus community, we are taking precautions and working to ensure that the campus community is both aware and has information about mumps.”
The school provided the following information on mumps:
What is mumps and how is it spread?
-- Mumps is a contagious, viral illness that is primarily preventable through vaccination. The virus is spread through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose and throat. A person carrying the virus can infect others through coughing, sneezing and the sharing of items, such as water bottles, utensils, and food.
What are the symptoms of mumps?
-- According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mumps symptoms typically start with fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite. Most people will experience swelling of their salivary glands within 48 hours. The swelling is what causes puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw that is typically associated with mumps.
Mumps will usually go away on its own and most people will recover completely within a few weeks. For more detailed information about mumps, including symptoms, complications and vaccinations, please visit the CDC site on mumps.
What should I do if I have symptoms?
-- If you have exhibited any of the symptoms listed above, health officials urge you to self-isolate and see a medical provider as soon as possible.
Also, anyone may call the County of San Diego Immunization Program by calling 866-358-2966 and pressing 5 at the prompt to speak with a public health nurse about mumps.
Students: Please contact Student Health Services at 619-594-4325, or contact your personal healthcare provider. Students may also call the Nurse Advice Line at 858-225-3105, which is available after 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, on weekends and also when the university is closed. The line will be available through the holiday closure.
SDSU faculty and staff: You are encouraged to speak with your medical provider or contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which offers confidential support for workplace issues. Additional information, resources, and tools are available by calling 800-342-8111 or by visiting the EAP site online.
The most effective way to prevent mumps is through two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Information about the vaccine is available on the CDC’s website. As a preventive measure, if you have not received two doses of the MMR vaccine, please give strong consideration to getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
Additionally, a list of FAQs can be found online.
