Mumps awareness tips

You may be wondering what are the mumps and how is it spread? Mumps is a virus and it spreads through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat. An infected person can spread the virus by coughing; sneezing; kissing; talking; sharing items, such as cups or eating utensils, with others; and touching objects and surfaces with unwashed hands that are then touched by others.

In an effort to maintain a healthy campus community, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to take the following precautions:

Make sure you are up-to-date on your MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. If you are not sure if you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, get vaccinated. (Students: To check your immunization records online, go to the Student Health Services ^[1] website. To receive an MMR vaccination, contact Student Health Services at (309) 438-8655. The majority of Illinois State students who have tested positive for mumps since fall 2015 have received two MMR vaccines. Some students have asked about receiving a third MMR vaccine. Currently enrolled students may schedule an appointment to receive a third vaccine by calling (309) 438-2778 or go online and make an appointment ^[2]. The charge for the vaccine at SHS is $98 and can be submitted to your insurance for possible reimbursement. The Student Insurance ^[3] plan will reimburse covered students for the vaccine. It is important to note that a third MMR vaccine is not currently required by state law.
Wash your hands well and often with soap and water.
Do not share eating utensils and beverages with others.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands with soap and water after disposing of tissue.
Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.

Even if you are fully vaccinated, you will want to watch for mumps symptoms:

Achy muscles
Loss of appetite
Generalized discomfort
Headache
Low-grade fever

After a period of two days, symptoms may progress:

Swelling in one or both of the parotid glands (the salivary glands in front of the ears). Most people refer to this as looking like a "chipmunk."
Pain or tenderness along the angle of the jaw.
Swelling or pain in testicles in males (post-puberty) or lower abdominal pain from swelling of ovaries in females who have reached puberty (less than 20 percent of cases).

What should you do if you believe you have the mumps virus?

Isolate yourself and contact Student Health Services immediately.
If there is a diagnosis of mumps, isolate from others for five days from the onset of symptoms, which means no activities outside the home for five days. Contact the Dean of Students Office for information about missing class.
Cooperate with the McLean County Health Department if a disease investigation is conducted; comply with the Illinois Department of Public Health rules and regulations for the control of communicable disease.

It is always good to maintain and practice healthy habits. Please help each other remain healthy by following these good health practices. Additional information about the mumps virus can be found by visiting the Student Health Services ^[4] website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ^[5].