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Services & Supports
Medical Centre
Mumps Outbreak
There have been several cases of mumps in the college and you may have been exposed. If you have either had mumps or have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, the chance of developing mumps is extremely low. If, however, you have not had mumps and have not received two doses of the MMR vaccine, then it is quite possible that you might get mumps.
What is Mumps?
Mumps is a viral infection. Symptoms include fever, headache, and swelling of cheek and jaw. Meningitis (inflammation of the covering of the brain) can occur but usually resolves without problems. More rarely encephalitis (inflammation of the brain itself) and deafness can occur. In adolescent and adult males mumps can cause inflammation of the testicles (orchitis), but, contrary to popular belief it is not a frequent cause of infertility. People are infectious for up to 7 days before the cheek swelling appears and remain infectious for 9 days after symptoms develop.
What should I do now?
If you have either received two doses of the MMR vaccine or have had mumps there is no need for concern. If you have not received two doses of the MMR vaccine and have not had mumps, then you should attend the college medical centre or your family doctor for vaccination. The vaccine will not protect you if you have been exposed this time, but it will protect you from future exposures.
What should I do if I think I have mumps?
If you develop swelling of the cheeks and jaw line attend your doctor for examination. He/she will be able to tell you if it looks like mumps and will advise you what to do. There is no specific treatment for mumps.
Can I attend college?
To prevent spread of mumps to others, you must stay at home for 9 days after the symptoms develop.
How can I stop mumps spreading in the family?
If you have not received two doses of MMR vaccine please go to your family doctor for vaccination.
For more information, please view this Mumps Factsheet or view our Mumps Information page.