The number of confirmed and probable mumps cases at Syracuse University has grown by 10 since out last report earlier this week. According to SU Health Services, the total is now 60 (confirmed cases: 27, probable cases: 33) as of Thursday.

Image/CDC
Image/CDC

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. A classic symptom of mumps is parotitis (swelling of the salivary glands in front of the ears) resulting in a tender, swollen jaw. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Some people with mumps have very mild or no symptoms. Persons should seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms.

People with mumps are most infectious in the several days before and after the onset of parotitis. The disease is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Transmission can also occur when sharing items, such as cups or eating utensils, or by touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, and prevents most, but not all, cases of mumps. Two doses of the vaccine are 88 percent effective at protecting against mumps and one dose is 78 percent effective.

From January 1 to September 9, 2017, 47 states and the District of Columbia in the U.S. reported mumps infections in 4,439 people to CDC.

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