While Arkansas has seen the most mumps cases of any state this year (1652), most being reported in the northwest corner of the state, only a handful of cases have been linked to Arkansas colleges and universities to date.
Today, the Arkansas Department of Health has confirmed two cases of mumps involving University of Arkansas students.
While there is no evidence of local transmission on campus, those who may have been exposed will receive additional communication and information from the Pat Walker Health Center in the coming days.
Mumps is a viral illness that is easily transmitted through coughing and sneezing, and direct contact with respiratory droplets or saliva from an infected person. There is no treatment for mumps, however symptoms usually resolve themselves within a few weeks.
Related: Mumps confirmed in University of Central Arkansas students
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mumps is a viral illness that is transmitted by direct contact with respiratory droplets or saliva from an infected person. It is best known for painful, swollen salivary glands that show up as puffy cheeks and swollen jaw. Boys may also have painful, swollen testicles. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscles aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. There is no treatment, and symptoms usually resolve themselves within a few weeks. Mumps is usually a mild disease in children, but adults may have more serious disease with complications.
