Murray State University confirmed on Monday a case of the mumps on campus. The viral disease is highly contagious and while uncommon, there has been an increase in cases in recent years.
Most people receive a Mumps, Measles and Rubella vaccine twice as a child. However, even with vaccinations, the disease can still carry over if someone is in close contact with the infected person. That's according to Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services public information officer Beth Fisher: “It can still occur in vaccinated populations who live in close contact with each other like in dormitories. So parents of college aged kids, people in college, please make sure you are up to date on your MMR vaccine.”
According to the CDC, symptoms include a fever, headaches, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite and swollen and tender salivary glands.
Fisher recommends people check their immunization status with their physician and said those who were not vaccinated as a child should reach out to a doctor or local hospital for the vaccine. She said often health departments and hospitals don’t always have vaccines in stock for adults on hand because mumps tends to be rare. Calloway County Health Department said they have a limited number of adult vaccines for those with 'a payer source.'
Earlier this month, Fayette County reported two cases of the mumps in Lexington’s university community. Lexington Health Commissioner Kraig Humbaugh said a resurgence might partly be attributed to decisions not to immunize along with global travel.
