MUMPS CASE AT SDSU

East County News Service

March 31, 2019 (San Diego) – San Diego State University sent an email Friday to students advising that a student has been diagnosed with mumps.  

Students with symptoms of mumps are urged to isolate themselves and contact a medical provider as quickly as possible.  Mumps is a contagious viral illness that can be prevented through vaccinations. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite initially, followed by swelling of salivary gland that can cause puffed cheeks and a swollen, sore jaw.

In serious cases, mumps can cause deafness and inflammation of the brain or other organs.   

Student Health Services will be open April 2 to 5 during spring break for students who need to visit, or students.  Concerned students can call (619) 594-4325 or dial the Nurse Advice Line at (858) 225-3105 during hours when SDSU is closed.

The student lives off campus and was diagnosed March 21 by a personal physician. The university did not receive notification until March 28, SDSU interim media relations director Cory Marshall told NBC 7. The student has recovered and is no longer contagious, but may have exposed others.

The MMR vaccine protects against mumps, measles and rubella.  The Centers for Disease Control recommends vaccinating children at 12 to 15 months of age and again at age 4-6, which reduces the risk of contracting mumps by about 88 percent.

Mumps can be spread through coughing, sneezing or sharing items such as water bottles and eating utensils, as well as by close contact such as kissing, dancing or playing contact sports.