A confirmed case of mumps has been identified in a Marquette University student who resides in a residence hall. The individual is currently recovering at home and the City of Milwaukee Health Department has initiated the appropriate follow-up communication with close contacts of the case. Marquette University Medical Clinic is encouraging all members of the Marquette community to take the following steps to stay healthy and protect themselves.
Mumps is spread from an infected person through coughing, sneezing, or talking or occasionally through contact with saliva. Mumps is a viral infection that causes one or more salivary glands (located in the cheeks, below and in front of the ears) to become inflamed, swollen and tender. Other signs of mumps infection may include fever, fatigue, weakness, or pain with chewing or swallowing. Non-immune individuals are the most at risk of acquiring mumps.
Immunization with two doses of MMR ( m e a s l e s , m u m p s , r u b e l l a ) vaccine is the safest and m o s t effective way to prevent up to 85% of mumps infections. Faculty and staff should check their immunization records. All Marquette students are required to receive the two doses of MMR vaccine before they are allowed to register for classes. Individuals should review their immunization record and history. If you are unsure of your immunization records and history, contact your health care provider or the Marquette Medical Clinic to discuss the MMR vaccine. If you have not had two doses of MMR, it is important to get fully immunized.
If you are currently experiencing any tenderness or swelling in the face or jaw – or if any such symptoms develop, even if you have had an MMR vaccine, you should contact your healthcare provider or the Marquette Medical clinic.
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