INDIANAPOLIS -- Two new cases of mumps have been reported at IUPUI for a total of three cases.
The first was confirmed on campus on February 18.
School officials say, at this time, there is no known connection between the three cases.
They are working with the Marion County Health Department and the Indiana State Department of Health to identify and notify anyone who may have come in contact with the students who have the mumps.
Important notice: Three confirmed cases of mumps on campus: https://t.co/Kn60CJFwrO. (via @ProtectIU)
— IUPUI (@IUPUI) March 11, 2016
In addition to the cases at IUPUI, 21 students at Butler and 9 students IU-Bloomington have been diagnosed with mumps.
MUMPS | How it's transmitted | Symptoms | Tests and diagnosis | FAQ's
"Mumps is caused by a virus, so antibiotics won't help someone heal from the infection," said Dr. Christine Hadi, medical director of the Infectious Disease program at the Marion County Public Health Department. "It's important for everyone, especially right now on college campuses, to practice good hygiene to protect themselves from mumps and other illnesses."
The health department says there have also been four confirmed cases of mumps in Marion County outside of college campuses.
To prevent infection:
- Check your vaccination record with your primary care provider
- Practice good hygiene habits - wash hands, sneeze and cough into a tissue or your elbow, don't share food and/or drinks
- Stay at home if you have any symptoms
The best way to prevent mumps is to be vaccinated with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine or MMR.
Two doses are only considered 88 percent effective so people who have had two MMRs may still get the mumps.
The Marion County Health Department and Indiana State Department of Health have the following recommendations:
- People born before 1957 are considered immune to mumps because exposure to the disease was common when they were young. Those born during or after 1957 should check to see if they have had two MMR immunizations or have had mumps.
- If you have not been immunized with two doses of MMR, or have not had mumps, or cannot find your vaccine medical records, it is recommended that you contact your health provider for appropriate follow up.
- Students who have only received one dose of vaccine should receive their second dose at this time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information about the mumps. Click here for details.
The Indiana State Department of Health has also set up a mumps hotline. The number is (877) 826-0011
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