Mumps Outbreak Confirmed At University Of Texas At Austin Campus (Video)

AUSTIN, TX — University of Texas at Austin officials on Friday confirmed a mumps outbreak on campus after seven people were diagnosed with the viral disease this week.

An email was sent campus-wide alerting to the mumps emergence, with a list of resources via the Healthyhorns website.

Mumps is a contagious and infectious viral disease that causes swelling of the parotid salivary glands in the face. Adult males contracting the disease are at risk of sterility. Complications of mumps, such as hearing loss, are potentially serious, but rare. The disease is considered to be extremely contagious.

Among the symptoms of mumps are:

• Swollen, painful salivary glands on one or both sides of your face (parotitis);
• Fever;
• Headache;
• Muscle aches;
• Weakness and fatigue;
• Loss of appetite;
• Pain while chewing or swallowing.

Immediate medical care is suggested for those experiencing symptoms. Yet the Mayo Clinic reports there's no specific treatment for mumps. The website notes that mumps outbreaks still occur in the United States, and mumps is still common in many parts of the world, so getting a vaccination to prevent mumps remains important.

On the Healthyhorns website, questions related to mumps and suggestions if felled by the disease are outlined:

• "If you have symptoms of mumps (see below), seek medical care. Students should call UHS at (512) 471-4955 or the UHS 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line 512-475-NURS (6877) BEFORE COMING TO UHS. Let the nurse know that you have been in contact with someone who has a confirmed mumps infection. We will arrange to take care of you while reducing the risk of exposing other patients."
• "If you don't feel sick and have never been vaccinated for mumps, Students should call the UHS Allergy/Immunization Clinic (512) 475-8301 to schedule an appointment for a MMR vaccine. According to the CDC, vaccination after exposure is not harmful and may avert later disease."
• "If you don't feel sick and have been vaccinated for the mumps, no action is needed at this time. However, if you do start to experience symptoms, follow the steps outlined above [see website]."
• "For Faculty and Staff: If you have symptoms of mumps or have questions about your vaccine status, you should call your primary care provider. The UT Select medical insurance plan for staff and faculty provides 100% coverage with zero co-pay or deductible for recommended vaccines, including the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR). Many local pharmacies are in-network and offer vaccine services on a walk-in basis. For information about UT Select preventative health services, visit the UT Select Living Well site."

For a video primer on mumps, watch the video below:

>>> Photo credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a 1977 thin sectioned transmission electron micrograph (TEM) depicted the ultrastructural details of the mumps virions that had been grown in a Vero cell culture.