Student Health Center Information about Mumps

Several Fort Hays State University students have recently been diagnosed with mumps. We also have several others that have clinical symptoms consistent with mumps and are being tested for that disease.

Mumps is a viral illness which is spread by respiratory secretions. The incubation period may vary from 12-25 days. Mumps is contagious from 3 days before the symptoms begin and extends 4 days after the symptoms appear. Symptoms of mumps are swelling and discomfort in the jaw area on one or both sides; fever, bodyaches and cough are sometimes present.

If you develop the symptoms of mumps, you should contact your health care provider immediately. Be sure to mention your symptoms when you make your appointment. The FHSU Student Health Center is evaluating students who display these symptoms and performing specific testing for mumps. All persons who are suspected of having mumps will be quarantined from the campus community for at least four days or until we receive notification from Kansas Department of Health and Environment of a negative test. Because mumps is a viral illness, there is no medication to eradicate it.

Many students have been vaccinated previously against mumps, however the vaccine is not 100% effective in protecting against the disease. It is usually given in the MMR vaccine, which is protective against measles, mumps and rubella. Current recommendations state that individuals under 25 years of age should have 2 MMR vaccinations and individuals 25 years or older should have 1 vaccination. If these vaccines are complete, Center for Disease Control and Kansas Department of Health and Environment do not recommend revaccination.

If you have further questions or concerns about this disease, please do not hesitate to contact Patti Scott, the Director of the Student Health Center, located on the second floor of Wiest Hall. Her phone number is 785-628-4293.