Health officials in Monroe County, IN say the mumps outbreak that was first identified on the Indiana University (IU) in Bloomington campus has now spread in persons outside the University into the greater Monroe County community.
To date, no links have been confirmed among cases, suggesting the mumps virus may be expanding in the community. “It is important to check your vaccination records and confirm that you and your children have received the recommended doses of vaccine,” stated Ms. Caudill.
Symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms typically appear 16 to 18 days after infection but can range from 12 to 25 days. Treatment for mumps is geared toward alleviating symptoms. Bed rest, a soft diet and a pain reliever for aches are often recommended.
Mumps is spread from direct and indirect contact with an infected person’s respiratory droplets, which can be transmitted by sneezing and coughing. People with mumps can spread their infections for up to two days before and five days after the onset of symptoms. Therefore, anyone with symptoms is highly encouraged to stay home and avoid others to prevent the further spread of illness and to seek care as soon as possible.
The best way to prevent mumps is to be vaccinated with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, or MMR.
The Indiana State Department of Health has confirmed outbreaks of mumps at three schools- IU (14), Butler University (21) and IUPUI (3).
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