More cases of mumps reported at MU

The University of Missouri released a new total number of mumps cases on Wednesday.

Since the start of the fall semester on Aug. 22, there have been 228 cases of mumps diagnosed among MU students. At least 190 of those cases are considered recovered, which means the student is no longer contagious.

Most of the infected students report having friends who have or had mumps, belong to Greek organizations or have recently visited local bars.

Officals said all of the students had met the school’s immunization requirement of receiving two Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccines. The school continues to recommend that MU students receive a third MMR vaccine.

The university issued several other recommendations to help stop the spread of mumps.

Cover your cough or sneeze. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use and alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid sharing eating and drinking utensils. Avoid exchanging saliva with others.

The Student Health Center is working with local and state public health agencies to identify new cases and prevent additional cases.

Symptoms of mumps include a variety of conditions.

Swollen glands in front of and below the ear or under the jaw. Pain with opening and closing the jaw. Fever, headache or earache. Fatigue and malaise. Among men, mumps can lead to painful swelling of the testicles. Among women, mumps can lead to swelling of the ovaries, which may cause abdominal pain, or swelling of the breasts.

If you believe you’re infected with mumps, call the Student Health Center at 573-882-7481 or your medical provider.

You can read more about mumps at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website by clicking this link.