On Monday, Nov. 11th Bloomsburg students received an email from the Vice President of Student Affairs that mumps had been discovered on campus. According to the email, possible exposure could have been possible since Oct. 26. But what are the mumps?
According to the “Mumps Fact Sheet” developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the mumps are “an acute viral disease characterized by fever, swelling, and tenderness of one or more of the salivary glands lasting at least 2 days.”
It also notes that the mumps are more common in the winter and spring, but it is usually a mild disease in that it is less contagious than measles or chickenpox. However, like chickenpox, adults who contract the disease are more likely to experience a more serious disease with further complications.
So, what are the symptoms? The email lists symptoms of swollen glands below and in front of the ears which could last for about two days with possible headache, low-grade fever, and earache. The PA Department of Health also lists fever, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite as symptoms.
It states that symptoms usually occur somewhere between 12 to 25 days after becoming infected with the virus. With all of this being said, however, the fact sheet also states that “one-third of infected people do not exhibit symptoms.”
So is there a way to protect against it? Yes, to put it simply there’s a shot. Technically, it’s two doses of the vaccine MMR. You would receive the first dose, wait a month, and then receive the final dose. The PA Department of Health deems that in order to prevent the spread of mumps students, “should not attend school during their infectious period.”
A free clinic will be held in the Multicultural Center in the Kehr Union Building on Friday Nov. 15th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for students who need to get the MMR vaccination.
Watch this video for even more information! What is Mumps
And, as the email suggests, you can contact the Student Health Center or Pennsylvania Department of Health for more information.
