Communications

Date: April 17, 2013

To: Parents of U.Va. Students

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

Re: Possible case of mumps at U.Va.

Dear Parents:

In an effort to keep you apprised of student safety and health matters, I wanted you to know that we have sent the below message about mumps to all students. A number of recent cases have been reported among students at other institutions around the state, but this is the first suspected case here at U.Va.

We do encourage students to contact Student Health if they have concerns. As explained below, the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine is not 100 percent protective, and vaccinated individuals can still contract the disease. In such cases, however, the disease is much less serious and rarely has complications.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Patricia M. Lampkin
Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer

Date: April 16, 2013
To: All U.Va. Students
From: James C. Turner, Executive Director, Department of Student Health

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
Department of Student Health