Mumps case reported at Benedictine University;
Health department, university alerting campus community

Prevention, control information distributed to students, faculty, staff

 A case of mumps has been reported in a student at Benedictine University in Lisle. The university and the DuPage County Health Department are working together to distribute information to students, faculty, staff and others on the campus and in the surrounding communities.
 Benedictine University notified students, faculty and staff with an e-mail and also posted a Health Alert on the school’s website: www.ben.edu

“We are concerned about this and we are working with Benedictine University officials to monitor the situation closely,” said Dr. Rashmi Chugh, DuPage County Health Department Medical Officer. “We are working with the university to inform people on campus and in the surrounding communities. We want to make people aware of the presence of mumps. We are working together toward early detection and implementation of prevention and control measures,” she said. 

A total of 52 cases of mumps has been reported in DuPage County so far this year. Since Sept. 7, Wheaton College has reported 30 cases with two cases under investigation. All are students and all had received the recommended two vaccinations against mumps, as had the case from Benedictine University. About half of the Wheaton College students with mumps have returned to classes. 

The remaining 21 cases reported in DuPage County date to earlier this year. It has not been determined if the DuPage County cases have a connection to an outbreak in Iowa that began in December, 2005. Surrounding states, including Illinois, have experienced an increase in the number of mumps cases as well.  Illinois has reported about 600 cases this year so far.  Prior to 2006, Illinois averaged about 10 mumps cases per year. DuPage County averages from zero to three mumps cases per year over the past five years. 

If a person is vaccinated against mumps, his or her risk of getting mumps is very low.  It is important, however, to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mumps, because a person can still get mumps, regardless of age or vaccination status. 

Mumps symptoms include swollen glands close to the jaw and/or fever, headache or muscle aches.  Anyone who exhibits any of the symptoms of mumps should contact their family physician for further evaluation.  In Illinois, patients with mumps must be isolated from day care, school, work, and public gatherings until at least nine days after the onset of symptoms. 

Complications of mumps infection are rare, and can include deafness, meningitis/encephalitis, or inflammation of the testicles, ovaries, or breasts.  With the exception of deafness, these complications are more common among adults than children.

 Since mumps is primarily spread by direct contact with respiratory droplets, persons may prevent contracting mumps with a few simple actions:

• Children and adults should be up to date with their immunizations.  Please discuss your family’s vaccination history with your physician.
   

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue away after use.
   

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  If water is not near, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
   

• Do not share eating utensils or drinking containers.
   

• Refrain from close contact with individuals who are sick/experiencing symptoms.
   

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  (Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.)   

Persons experiencing symptoms should contact the Health Service or their family physician for further evaluation.  For questions or to report cases of mumps, please contact the DuPage County Health Department at (630) 682-7979, ext. 7553.