Second Marquette University student confirmed positive for mumps
In a follow-up to an article nearly three weeks ago, Marquette University has confirmed a second case of a student with the vaccine-preventable disease, mumps.
Proper immunization can prevent up to 95 percent of mumps cases. Image/CDC
A university health advisory released Friday night confirming the case in a student living in off-campus housing, according to a Marquette Tribune report.
No personal information on either case has been released by the university.
MU medical director Carolyn Smith said, “Students who may have been exposed or who think they are experiencing symptoms are encouraged to contact (Marquette’s) Student Health Service.”
Mumps is a contagious disease that leads to painful swelling of the salivary glands. The salivary glands produce saliva, a liquid that moistens food and helps you chew and swallow.
The mumps are caused by a virus. The virus is spread from person-to-person by respiratory droplets (for example, when you sneeze) or by direct contact with items that have been contaminated with infected saliva.
Mumps most commonly occurs in children ages 2 – 12 who have not been vaccinated against the disease. However, the infection can occur at any age. The time between being exposed to the virus and getting sick (incubation period) is usually 12 – 24 days.
Complications to 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.
There is no specific treatment for mumps.
