Mumps on Grounds
General Health Information

In this Section:
Key Facts and Health Information about Mumps
Mumps at U.Va.
Additional Resources
Contact Us

What are the signs and symptoms of mumps?
Mumps is a highly contagious viral illness characterized by swelling of the parotid glands, just below and in front of the ear, and at times, the salivary glands under the jaw. It is transmitted through close contact, and can take 12-25 days after exposure for symptoms to appear. People with mumps are contagious for up to 7 days before and up to 9 days after onset of symptoms.

How can I prevent getting mumps?
In addition to vaccination, other prevention measures for reducing transmission include frequent hand washing, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer (such as Purell), covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding the sharing of glasses and utensils.

What if I think I have the mumps (or been exposed to the mumps)?
Students should stay at home and call General Medicine at (434) 982-3915.

What happens if I'm not vaccinated and exposed to mumps?
As of March 10, 2008, mumps has been identified in two students at the University of Virginia. All U.Va. students are required by Virginia state law and the University to receive the required immunizations, including the mumps vaccine. The University has currently put a block on U.Va. students' registration who have not met the Virginia state law and University requirements.

Mumps: Not just for the 1940's any more!
Mumps. Ask anyone who has had the mumps: flu-like symptoms that can last for weeks, missed classes and other activities, and you may resemble a chipmunk more than your normal healthy self. Take a look at the most recent information gathered from the mumps epidemic in the midwest.

For More Information and Resources on Mumps:
Mumps Information (Iowa Department of Public Health)
Mumps Information from CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Mumps Press Release from University of Virginia

More mumps information on Student Health website:
How to Meet University Requirements (for students who have a registration block or received an email from Student Health)

Questions? Call the Mumps Hotline (for University of Virginia only)
Call the U.Va. Mumps Hotline at Student Health: (434) 924-1525

Maintained by: studenthealth@virginia.edu Last Modified: Friday, 14-Mar-2008 07:50:05 EDT © 2002 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia