By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

In a follow-up on the mumps situation at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, The LSU Student Health Center has confirmed 16 student cases of mumps, as of Feb. 20, up four cases in past week.

Infographic aimed at college students depicting symptoms of mumps and steps they can take to protect themselves.

Fifteen of the 16 students with mumps live off campus, according to LSU Media Relations Director Ernie Ballard. The one student who lives on campus lives alone in an on-campus apartment and is following the public health quarantine.

All 16 students with mumps were in compliance with the University’s MMR vaccination requirements, officials said.

Mumps symptoms include swollen or tender salivary glands, swollen or tender testicles, low fever, tiredness and muscle aches. People usually develop symptoms 14-18 days after being exposed to the virus that causes mumps, but it can be as long as 25 days. Anyone suspected of having mumps should stay home while they’re contagious – five days after swollen glands occur.

Mumps is spread through coughing and sneezing and sharing cups and utensils. While vaccination is the best protection against mumps, even people who are vaccinated can become infected. People should also prevent spreading mumps and other illnesses by covering coughs and sneezes, washing their hands frequently with soap and water, and not sharing food and drinks.

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