Sept. 14, 2006
News media calls to David Hass at (630) 682-7979, ext. 7374.

Mumps cases reported at Wheaton College; Health department monitoring situation closely

Prevention, control information distributed to students, staff

Several cases of mumps have been reported in students at Wheaton College since Sept. 7. Seven cases have been confirmed, and three are under investigation.

Wheaton College Student Health Center staff and administration have been working closely with the DuPage County Health Department toward informing and advising affected persons and the surrounding community toward appropriate prevention and control measures. Wheaton College students and staff were promptly notified of the presence of mumps on campus.

"Our staff has responded quickly to the presence of mumps on campus," states Wheaton College spokesperson Tiffany Self. "We are working diligently to educate our college community about preventing further exposure, not only to those on campus, but also to those in the surrounding community."

Iowa has been experiencing a large mumps outbreak that began in December, 2005. Surrounding states, including Illinois, have experienced an increase in the number of mumps cases as well. Illinois has reported 598 cases this year so far. Prior to 2006, Illinois has averaged about 10 mumps cases per year. Including these seven cases at Wheaton College, a total of 27 cases have been reported in DuPage County in 2006 to date. It has not been determined if the persons have a connection with the Iowa mumps cases.

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 can include deafness, inflammation of the testicles, ovaries, or breasts, pancreatitis, meningitis/encephalitis. 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.)

Students experiencing symptoms should contact their student health center. Other persons with symptoms should contact their family physicians for further evaluation. For questions or to report cases of mumps, please contact the DuPage County Health Department at (630) 682-7979, ext. 7553.

“We promote health, prevent illness, and provide quality service”