Message Regarding Mumps

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

LSU now has 12 confirmed cases of mumps. We want to provide you with the latest information so you are well-informed.

Vaccine and High-risk Groups

At this time, the Student Health Center is offering a free dose of the MMR vaccine to any student in the following high-risk groups identified by the Louisiana Office of Public Health:

  • Students who have not received two doses of the MMR vaccine in their lifetime
  • Students who have had direct contact with someone who has been diagnosed with mumps; direct contact is defined as physical contact with infectious secretions
  • Other high-risk groups identified for this cluster of cases:
    • Members of the LSU Tennis Team
    • Members of all LSU fraternities and sororities
    • Members of the Tiger Band

The Student Health Center is also offering a free dose of the MMR vaccine to any faculty or staff member in the following high-risk groups identified by the Office of Public Health:

  • Any employee who has had direct contact with a student who has been diagnosed with mumps; direct contact is defined as physical contact with infectious secretions
  • Any campus healthcare professionals who are responsible for direct patient care
  • Any LSU Police officers who come in direct contact with ill students when out on emergency calls

Those in the above high-risk groups can receive their vaccine at the Student Health Center all this week, now through Friday, from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Individuals with Symptoms

Any students who may be experiencing symptoms of mumps are urged to call the Student Health Center or their private healthcare provider as soon as possible. The Student Health Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Any employees who may be experiencing symptoms of mumps should contact their private healthcare providers.

Symptoms include swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears or jaw on one or both sides of the face.

Help Prevent Transmission

Anyone with signs of mumps must be isolated for at least five days from the onset of salivary gland swelling. There is no specific treatment for mumps or exposure to mumps. Most people with mumps recover fully. However, mumps can occasionally cause complications, and some of them are serious. Mumps is spread by contact with infectious respiratory tract secretions and saliva. Please note that just being in the same room with someone who has mumps does not necessarily mean you have been exposed. It is direct contact with respiratory tract secretions and saliva that causes exposure.

Measures to help prevent transmission of mumps:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water; alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective
  • Avoid drinking or eating after others
  • Disinfect common, shared household objects, like remotes and keyboards
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; throw the tissue in the trash afterward

Detailed information on mumps is available at cdc.gov/mumps.