Four cases of mumps have been identified in Chapman University Law students who attended the Back to School Event held at Rudy’s in Newport Beach, on Friday night, January 27, 2017. The risk of getting mumps if you attended this event is low, especially if you have received vaccination against mumps. But it is important to be aware of mumps signs and symptoms and talk to a medical provider if you become ill.
Mumps symptoms usually begin 2-4 weeks after exposure and include swollen glands along the jaw line in front of the ear. Other symptoms include headache, low-grade fever, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
The virus is spread through saliva or mucous from the mouth, nose, or throat. Infection can be transmitted by coughing, sneezing, sharing items such as cups or beverages, intimate contact, or by touching surfaces with unwashed hands.
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is highly effective in preventing mumps. Getting vaccinated now will not prevent illness from exposure at the January 27 event, but should prevent getting mumps after future exposures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone receive two doses of MMR during childhood. All college students who have had fewer than two MMR doses should receive catch-up vaccination. While the vaccine does not always prevent disease, people who have received two doses of the MMR are nine times less likely to get mumps than unvaccinated people with the same exposure.
If you think you may have mumps, please talk with your medical provider or Chapman Student Health.
