University Of Connecticut Identifies Three Cases Of Mumps

STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Health officials at the University of Connecticut said Friday they've identified three cases of mumps in students enrolled in the fall 2019 semester and attending classes on the main campus in Storrs.

In a message sent to employees and students, the UConn Student Health and Wellness said there was no increased risk for students at UConn's regional campuses, UConn Law or UConn Health.

All UConn students are required to have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella or MMR vaccine, which provides protection against the mumps virus, in order to attend classes. Mumps is a viral infection that's spread through infected respiratory droplets, like sneezing or coughing. The infection is not usually dangerous, but it can be painful.

Typical signs and symptoms of mumps include swelling of the face, cheek and jaw; jaw pain; headache; and/or a low grade fever. Complications are rare but can be serious, and treatment involves managing the symptoms.

UConn officials said school records show 98% of its undergraduate students are fully vaccinated. However, those who've received two doses of vaccine can still become infected.

A third dose of the MMR vaccine is being recommended for certain students determined to be at higher risk for developing mumps. UConn Student Health and Wellness said in the message that it plans to reach out to students deemed to be high risk, based on their potential contact with other infected students. For students who are not at high risk, a third dose is not necessary at this time.

University students are considered particularly susceptible to the mumps virus because they're in frequent contact with other students in residence halls, sports teams, or activity groups.

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