BLOOMINGTON — Indiana University issued a public safety advisory Thursday after confirming a seventh mumps case on campus.
Mumps is contagious in crowded, close quarters, and public health officials urged students to take precautions in any situation that involves socializing, studying or any other activity where large groups of people are present.
It is also important to avoid sharing drinks, food and utensils, be certain to wash your hands with soap and water, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, stay home if you are sick and avoid contact with people who are ill.
The university also encouraged students to be sure they have received two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
The first IU student was diagnosed with mumps on Feb. 12, and the university said students should be especially vigilant through the end of the semester.
Symptoms for mumps include swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides, fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite. A person will typically begin feeling the effects 16-to-18 days after infection.
