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Date: April 16, 2013

To: All U.Va. Students

From: Dr. James C. Turner, Student Health

Re: Possible case of mumps

 

Dear Students:

 

I am writing to inform you that Student Health has diagnosed one probable case of mumps within the student body. Over the past few weeks, a number of cases have been diagnosed among students at other universities in Virginia, suggesting that we may see additional cases here at U.Va.

 

Given the closely shared living environment of many students, we want to remind you of some very simple but important measures that can be helpful in avoiding mumps and other contagious diseases. Please remember to:

  • Wash your hands frequently 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 suggestive of mumps, stay home and call Student Health (434-982-3915) 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 about 18 days after exposure, but may appear any time within 12 to 25 days. Mumps is contagious three days before the onset of swelling of the glands close to the jaw.

 

If you have not received the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine, please contact Student Health today (434-982-3915). Nearly 100 percent of all current U.Va. students have been vaccinated with the MMR. Because the immunization is not 100 percent protective, it is still possible for vaccinated students to develop mumps. In such cases, however, the disease is much less serious and rarely has complications.

 

More details about immunizations, including MMR, are available on the Student Health website.

 

Sincerely,

 

James C. Turner, M.D.
Executive Director of Student Health