Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is currently investigating two additional confirmed cases of mumps on campus, for a total of three cases. Notification on the first case was made to the campus community on Feb. 18. At this time, there is no known connection between the three cases. There are cases at several local universities as well.

The campus has been working closely with the Marion County Health Department and the Indiana State Department of Health to identify and notify anyone who may have been in close contact with the individuals. Authorities are implementing measures to help prevent the additional transmission of mumps.

It is important that you educate yourself on the symptoms, transmission and prevention of mumps. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides (causing swollen jaw and cheeks). These glands may be painful and it may hurt to swallow.  Mumps is spread from direct and indirect contact with an infected person's respiratory droplets, which can be transmitted by sneezing, coughing and sharing food, drinks and utensils. People with mumps can spread their infections for up to two days before and five days after the onset of symptoms. Anyone with symptoms should stay home and avoid others to prevent the further spread of illness.

Because mumps is a virus, it does not respond to antibiotics or other medications. Symptoms typically develop 12 to 25 days after exposure to an infected person. Generally, mumps is a mild illness, and some people may not have any symptoms. Treatment for mumps is geared toward alleviating symptoms. Bed rest, a soft diet and a pain reliever for aches are often recommended.

What you should do:

• Check your vaccination record with your primary care provider. Currently, the best way to prevent mumps is to be vaccinated with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, or MMR. If you haven’t received the MMR vaccine, please get vaccinated immediately. If you were born during or after 1957 and do not have evidence of immunity against mumps, you should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. Contact your primary care provider or IUPUI Campus Health for more information.
• Practice good hygiene habits. Habits – such as regularly washing your hands with soap and water; sneezing and coughing into a tissue or your elbow; and avoiding the sharing of drinks, food, utensils, cigarettes or other smoking devices – are a good way to prevent illness and transmission.
• Stay home if you have any symptoms. If you have any of symptoms, even if you received your MMR vaccine, stay home, away from others and call your primary care provider or IUPUI Campus Health at 317-274-8214.

For more information call the mumps hotline at 317-274-8784, email healthsv@iupui.edu, visit the Protect IU mumps webpage or view the fast facts.