CINCINNATI -- Two cases of mumps have been reported on University of Cincinnati’s campus, a university official confirmed Tuesday.
The two cases, along with another suspected case, occurred on UC’s West Campus within the past two weeks, according to an email from Kim L. Miller, executive director of University Health Services.
Mumps is a contagious disease spread by a virus that can be easily prevented with vaccination.
Miller said anyone on campus should check whether they’ve had two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, and she recommended those who do not get vaccinated.
Symptoms could include fever, headache, fatigue and swollen, tender salivary glands under the ears or jaw and on the cheeks. Symptoms typically appear two to four weeks after exposure. Most recover after a few weeks; Miller said one can return to school after five days of isolation.
Mumps is spread by saliva or mucous from the mouth or nose. Coughing, sneezing and sharing things like cups can spread mumps.
If a student develops a fever and swelling at the cheeks, they should call University Health Services at 513-556-2564. Faculty and staff should call UC Employee Health at Holmes, 513-584-4457.
Those who need to use University Health Services should indicate their concern for mumps and ask for a mask.
University officials are working with the Cincinnati Health Department to prevent the spread of infection.
