University of Richmond mumps outbreak expands
With the number of confirmed and suspected mumps cases on the University of Richmond (UR) campus, the university updated the health advisory this morning.
The number of cases are up from just a week ago when University officials first issued an advisory.
To date, UR has reported 15 confirmed cases of the viral, vaccine-preventable disease and more than three dozen suspected cases since Juanuary, according to The Collegian, a student newspaper.
According to Dr. Parham Jaberi, the Virginia Department of Health Henrico director, 150 students could eventually acquire the virus, a rough estimate derived from the fact that the vaccine is only 95% effective. “We feel that up to 5% and possibly more of the student body may be at risk of becoming ill,” Jaberi said. How well students isolate themselves and how quickly they are tested could impact the rate and extent of infection, he said, The Collegian reports.
UR officials say if you are feeling sick, contact the Student Health Center (SHC) to arrange a visit. If you develop severe headache, high fever, swelling, nausea, vomiting, or pelvic pain call the SHC Dial-a Nurse at (804) 289-8700 or after hours, call Campus Police at 289-8715.
Mumps is a viral illness and will go away on its own in about a week. Mumps is spread in droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person, usually when a person coughs or sneezes. Mumps can also spread by direct contact with saliva and discharges from the nose and throat of an infected person.
The symptoms may include body aches, fever and swollen, tender glands in one or both sides of the jaw area.
Complications of mumps may include orchitis (which has been reported to be a risk factor for testicular cancer), encephalitis and spontaneous abortion. Sterility in males is a rare possible outcome.
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[…] University of Richmond mumps outbreak expandsThe Global DispatchComplications of mumps may include orchitis (which has been reported to be a risk factor for testicular cancer), encephalitis and spontaneous abortion. Sterility in males is a rare possible outcome. For more infectious disease news and information …and more » Go to Source […]