Wellness Alerts

Mumps Outbreak 2006

Mumps Update: September 19, 2006

The Wellness Center would like to share some important information with the Aurora Community. Several cases of mumps have recently been reported at Wheaton College. Wheaton College and the Dupage County Health Department have been working very closely to identify affected individuals and inform and advise on appropriate prevention and control measures. In an effort to build greater awareness regarding mumps, please take a few minutes and review the following information pertaining to mumps.

Mumps is a contagious viral disease that causes painful swelling of the parotid glands (salivary glands located in front of and below the ear) which may last for two or more days. Other symptoms may include headache, low-grade fever, and earache. Please review the following document for additional information. If you develop any of the above symptoms, further evaluation by a health care provider is recommended.

Mumps can be transmitted from person to person by contact with respiratory secretions (droplets from coughing/sneezing) and through direct contract with infected fluids (saliva, urine). Proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette is highly recommended to help minimize transmission.

If you have been vaccinated against mumps, your risk for getting mumps is low. However, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mumps, because you can still contract the disease even if you have been vaccinated.

What you can do to help protect your health and the health of our community:

• If you are a student and have not turned in your immunization records to the Wellness Center it is important that you take care of this as soon as possible. Please contact Sue Damato with any immunization related questions (630-844-5446, sdamato@aurora.edu)
• Seek medical evaluation immediately if any signs or symptoms of mumps develop
• Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue away after use
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If water is not near, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner
• Do not share eating utensils or drinking containers (INCLUDING WATER BOTTLES)
• Refrain from close contact with individuals who are sick/experiencing symptoms
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth (germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his/her eyes, nose, or mouth)

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Wellness Center (630-844-5434), Kane County Health Department (630-208-3801), or your physician.