Mumps Outbreak at UNH

DURHAM, NH — A mumps outbreak was discovered at the University of New Hampshire and state health officials urged the local community to be vigilant against the highly contagious and potentially deadly disease.

Three people "with a link to the university" have been diagnosed with mumps, according to state Epidemiologist Benjamin Chan. The ages and genders of the individuals was not released.

The student population is likely safe from contracting the disease, as a mumps vaccine is a condition of enrollment. But Chan said university workers and those who spend time on campus and are not vaccinated should be cautious.

Mumps is a viral infection easily transmitted through saliva and surface contact. Symptoms include swelling and tenderness of the cheeks, fever, headache, and muscle aches. In can cause more serious complications and in rare cases is deadly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mumps cases are on the rise in New Hampshire and across the country, Chan said.

From 2011 to 2015, there were five mumps cases in New Hampshire. So far this year, there have been nine cases, Chan said.

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