9 Tufts Students Test Positive for Mumps

Tufts University is warning students and faculty to take precautionary measures and pay extra attention to their health in the coming weeks after several students were diagnosed with mumps.

According to multiple reports, nine students tested positive for mumps over the course of three weeks. Those who believe they have symptoms are advised to visit Tufts Health Services.

Symptoms can include "chipmunk cheeks" – a swelling and pain of the saliva glands along the jaw, fever, fatigue and headache. People diagnosed with mumps are typically contagious for up to five days, and the disease is spread by sneezes or coughs, sharing drinks and close social contact.

Tufts requires its students to receive two mumps vaccinations, though the vaccine's effectiveness can decrease over time, according to Tufts health officials.

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