Mumps Information

Please be reminded that the mumps virus spreads through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat. An infected person can spread the virus by coughing, sneezing, kissing, or talking; sharing items, such as cups or eating utensils, with others; and touching objects or surfaces with unwashed hands that are then touched by others.

In an effort to maintain a healthy campus community, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to take the following precautions to avoid the mumps virus.

Make sure you are up-to-date on your MMR vaccine. If you are not sure if you received two doses of the MMR vaccine, get vaccinated. (Students: To check your immunization record online, go to Student Health Services. To receive an MMR vaccination, contact Student Health Services at (309) 438-8655.)
The majority of ISU students who have tested positive for mumps since Fall 2015, have received 2 MMR vaccines. Some students have asked about receiving a 3^rd MMR vaccine. Currently enrolled students may schedule an appointment to receive a 3^rd vaccine by calling (309) 438-2778 or online at http://healthservices.illinoisstate.edu/appointments/. The charge for the vaccine at SHS is $87, with an additional $11 front door fee. Both charges can be submitted to your insurance for possible reimbursement. The ISU Student Insurance plan will reimburse covered students for the vaccine. It is important to note that a third MMR vaccine is not currently required by State of Illinois law or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.
If you have had the mumps virus, you are immune meaning you would NOT need another does of the vaccine.
Wash your hands well and often with soap and water.
Do not share eating utensils and beverages with others.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Clean frequently touched surfaces with soap and water.
Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.

Watch for mumps symptoms even if you are fully vaccinated. Initial symptoms include:

Achy muscles
Loss of appetite
Generalized discomfort
Headache
Low-grade fever

After a period of one to two days, symptoms may progress to:

Swelling in one or both of the Parotid glands (the salivary glands in front of the ears)
Pain / tenderness along the angle of the jaw
Swelling / pain in testicles in males (post-puberty); lower abdominal pain from swelling of ovaries in females who have reached puberty (< 20% of cases)

What to do if you believe you have mumps:

If there is a diagnosis of mumps, isolate from others for five (5) days from the onset of symptoms, which means no activities outside the home for five (5) days.
Cooperate with the McLean County Health Department if a disease investigation is conducted; comply with Illinois Department of Public Health Rules and Regulations for the Control of Communicable Disease.

Please help each other remain healthy by following these good health practices. Additional information about mumps can be found by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/mumps. The McLean County Health Department is a great resource for information on mumps prevention which can be found at http://health.mcleancountyil.gov/.

Mumps FAQs

Q: What is mumps?

A: Mumps is a contagious viral infection of the salivary glands that is spread through saliva or mucus. The virus can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or kissing. Items used by an infected person such as drinking cups, eating utensils, toothbrushes, and cigarettes, can also be contaminated with the virus and spread to others when those items are shared.

Q: Who is at risk for mumps?

A: People at highest risk for mumps are those who have not received any doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and those who have received only one dose of MMR. For every 100 people vaccinated against mumps, 80 or 90 of them will be fully protected and 10 to 20 will remain at risk for the disease.

Q: How do I protect myself from mumps?

A: Make sure you are up-to-date on your MMR vaccine. If you are not sure if you received two doses of MMR vaccine, get vaccinated. Other things you can do to reduce the risk of being infected with the mumps virus include: washing your hands well and often with soap and water, not sharing eating utensils and beverages with others, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, cleaning frequently touched surfaces with soap and water, and avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick.

Q: Can I receive a 3rd MMR vaccination?

A: Current CDC guidelines do not require 3 MMR vaccinations. Students wishing to receive a 3rd MMR may receive one at Student Health Services by calling our appointment line at (309)-438-2778. The charge for the vaccine at SHS is $87, with an additional $11 front door fee; however, individuals may request a receipt upon checkout and submit charges to insurance.

Q: What are the symptoms of mumps?

A: Mumps typically starts with a fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Some people will have swelling of their salivary glands, which is what causes the puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw.

Symptoms usually surface 16 to 18 days after infection, but individuals with mumps are actually the most contagious two days before becoming ill and for five days after.

Among males, mumps can lead to testicular inflammation that causes pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting and fever. Among some women with mumps, inflammation of the ovaries or breasts can occur. Anyone who experiences any of these symptoms should contact their doctor right away and limit their exposure to others.

Q: Is there a cure for mumps?

A: There are currently no medications to treat the mumps virus, but MMR vaccine prevents most cases of mumps and complications caused by the disease. Treatment for mumps is focused on relieving symptoms until your body’s immune system fights off the infection.

Q: What should I do if I have symptoms of the mumps?

A: If you have any symptoms of the mumps, please isolate yourself and contact Student Health Services immediately, (309)-438-8655. We are providing as much information to educate the campus community about the mumps virus and how to prevent or treat the illness.

Prevention and Treatment of the mumps

Current Centers for Disease Control guidelines do not require 3 MMR vaccinations. Students wishing to receive a 3rd MMR may receive one at Student Health Services by calling our appointment line at (309)-438-2778. The charge for the vaccine at SHS is $87, with an additional $11 front door fee; however, individuals may request a receipt upon checkout and submit charges to insurance. SHS is in close contact with the McLean County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding the mumps virus. We will provide updated information as it becomes available.