Mumps Outbreak Confirmed At San Diego State University

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego County health officials have confirmed a mumps outbreak at San Diego State University after five cases were identified among student athletes on the same team.

The five confirmed and probable cases had been identified as of Sept. 18, according to the county's Public Health Services. The first known symptoms began Sept. 6, and the first case was confirmed last week.

County health officials are working with SDSU and the California Department of Public Health to manage the outbreak. Efforts include testing people known to have had close contact with those who are sick and notifying the campus community.

A similar mumps outbreak occurred at SDSU in 2020 and was contained through efforts by the county and university.

Mumps is a contagious viral illness that can spread through close contact, including kissing, sharing food or drinks, and exposure to coughs or sneezes. People can spread the virus beginning two days before symptoms appear and while they are sick, according to officials.

Symptoms can include body aches, loss of appetite, fatigue, headache and fever, followed by inflammation or swelling of the salivary glands in the cheeks. In some cases, mumps can cause inflammation of the reproductive organs or infection in and around the brain.

Health officials said vaccination with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, known as the MMR vaccine, is the most effective way to prevent and control mumps outbreaks and lowers the risk of complications. Immunity from the vaccine can decrease over time.

Since the U.S. mumps vaccination program began in 1967, cases nationwide have declined by more than 99%, according to county health officials.