Communications

Date: March 13, 2008

To: All U.Va. Students (undergraduates and graduates)

From: Patricia M. Lampkin, Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer

Subject: Student cases of mumps

This message is to let you know that two U.Va. students are suspected to have mumps, according to the local health department. In both cases, the students were seen by Student Health on March 10. Lab tests are being conducted to determine whether the students do have the virus.

Mumps is a highly contagious disease, so good hygiene is important in minimizing your risk. Even if you have received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, you can still contract the disease, although usually in a milder form. Even if you have received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, you can still contract the disease, although usually in a milder form. Student Health has confirmed that all but a very few students have already been adequately vaccinated. Those who have not been fully vaccinated are being contacted separately by Student Health staff and offered immunization.

The following measures are good to take at any time, but especially with flu season still under way and the possibility of mumps within the community. Please remember to:

• Wash your hands for 20 seconds or more with soapy water.
• Avoid sharing drinking and eating utensils.
• Cover your mouth and nose, preferably with a tissue, when coughing or sneezing.
• If you do develop symptoms, stay home and call Student Health (982-3915) to determine the best steps to take.

Mumps is a virus that can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, and swelling and tenderness of the glands close to the jaw. Serious complications are rare. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes or through direct contact with the saliva of an infected person. Symptoms usually appear about18 days after exposure, but may appear any time within 12 to 25 days. The contagious period includes three days before the onset of swelling of the glands close to the jaw until five days after the onset of swelling.

If you experience symptoms and think you may have mumps, please call Student Health (982-3915) prior to visiting the facility. Student Health will arrange for you to be seen quickly. If you have questions about your immunizations, please call the medical records office in Student Health at 924-1525.

More details are available on the Student Health Web site.