Five LSU students have been diagnosed with mumps, an LSU spokeperson confirmed with WBRZ in Baton Rouge.
That spokesperson said that all of those students live off campus and the situation is not expected to impact the campus at this time.
The Reveille, LSU's newspaper, said that the Division of Strategic Communications notified students and faculty of the cases in an email on Tuesday.
Mumps is a contagious disease spread by contact with infectious respiratory tract secretions and saliva.
People with mumps could have swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears or jaw on one or both sides of the their faces. Students or faculty who see those symptoms should seek care at the Student Health Center or with their primary care doctor.
There is no specific treatment for mumps, but most people affected recover fully. However, mumps can sometimes cause serious complications, said the Student Health Center.
Two doses of the mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent mumps, and the vaccine is currently required for all students at LSU. The Health Center said most students should be protected due to the vaccine, but it is not 100% effective.
Anyone who has not received two doses of the MMR vaccine is recommended to get the vaccine as soon as possible. A third dose is recommended to those who have come in contact with someone currently diagnosed with mumps. The vaccine is available free of charge for certain "student priority groups."
The CDC says mumps outbreaks are most commonly found in groups of people who have prolonged, close contact, such as sharing water bottles or living in close quarters.
Additional things people can do to help prevent the spread of mumps include:
- Stay at home for 5 days after symptoms begin; avoid school or work settings.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Don't share eating utensils, cups, drinking glasses or water bottles.
- Clean surfaces that are frequently touched (such as computer devices, television remotes, doorknobs, tables, counters) regularly with soap and water or with disinfecting wipes.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
Click here for more information on mumps from LSU's Student Health Center.
