(BLOOMINGTON) – The third case of mumps has been discovered at Indiana University.
A student was diagnosed with the virus this week. This follows two confirmed cases of mumps last month. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers three or more cases to be an outbreak.
School officials say the male student lived off campus and that all of his roommates have been contacted about the situation.
The school also says the male student did not live with the other two people who were found with mumps in February. However, at this time it’s unclear if the third student had contact with the other two people.
The student has since left for Spring Break and has had the required MMR vaccines.
Chuck Carney, IU spokesman, say they are continuing to work with county and state department of health to determine the next steps.
Mumps is a viral infection spread through respiratory droplets, according to an advisory from the Indiana Department of Health. Initial symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, low-grade fever and parotitis, or the swelling of the salivary gland below the ear. Symptoms typically last two or more days.
Patients infected with mumps are considered most contagious between two days before and five days after the onset of parotitis. They are advised to isolate themselves during this time. The incubation period of mumps is 12 to 25 days after exposure.
Carney says anyone who suspects they may have the mumps to stay home and avoid contact with others. They should also seek care as soon as possible by contacting the IU Health Center or their primary-care provider.
