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Last updated on Thursday, April 7, 2016
(WEST LAFAYETTE) - Purdue University officials said there are five confirmed or probable cases of mumps on campus.
The university is working with the Tippecanoe County Health Department and Indiana State Department of Health to identify and alert anyone who may have been in close contact with the patients.
The mumps is a viral infection in the salivary glands that causes puffy cheeks, a swollen jaw, and other flu-like symptoms like fever, headaches, muscle aches and fatigue. It can spread through direct and indirect contact with an infected individual. Anyone with symptoms should stay home and isolate themselves to prevent further spread.
Other universities have reported cases of the mumps, including Indiana University in Bloomington, Butler University and IUPUI.
Symptoms typically appear 16-18 days after infection but can range from 12-25 days. Generally, mumps is a mild illness, and some people may not show any symptoms. While complications and more serious issues can result from the virus, they are generally rare, with a 1 percent to 3 percent complication rate.
University members should check their vaccination records with their primary care provider. The university said the best way to prevent mumps is to be vaccinated with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, or MMR. Anyone born after 1957 who has not had two doses of vaccine or can't find documentation is encouraged to consult a medical professional.
Two doses of vaccine are considered about 88 percent effect at preventing infection, meaning those who have been vaccinated could still contract the virus.
Students or staff with symptoms should stay home and call ahead before going to an urgent care or the Purdue Student Health Center even if they've received the MMR vaccine. If students have concerns about possible symptoms, they should contact the Purdue Student Health Center or their doctor.
Treatment for mumps focuses on alleviating symptoms. Bed rest, a soft diet and a pain reliever for aches are usually recommended. Information about the Student Health Center is available at http://www.purdue.edu/push/.
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