Mumps outbreak grows to six cases; unvaccinated students face campus exclusion

This message is to inform you that University of Connecticut Student Health and Wellness, in conjunction with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, has identified three cases of mumps in students that were enrolled on the Storrs campus in the fall 2019 semester. These cases have been reported at the Storrs campus and there is no increased risk for students at the regional campuses, UConn Law or UConn Health at this time. Mumps is a viral infection that is spread through infected respiratory droplets, like sneezing or coughing.  The infection is not usually dangerous, but can be painful.  Typical signs and symptoms of mumps are swelling of the face/cheek/jaw (parotitis), jaw pain, headache, and/or low grade fever.  Treatment is focused on symptom management. Complications are rare but can be serious. If you would like to read more about mumps, you can visit http://www.cdc.gov/mumps. All UConn students are required to have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, which provides protection against the mumps virus to attend classes. Our records indicate 98% of our undergraduate students are fully vaccinated, however, even those who received two doses of vaccine can become infected. University students are particularly susceptible to the mumps virus, especially if they are in frequent contact with other students in the residence halls, sports teams, or activity groups. A third dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended for students determined to be at higher risk for developing mumps. UConn Student Health and Wellness will be reaching out to students who are deemed as being high risk based on their potential contact with other infected students. For students who are not at high risk, a third dose is not necessary at this time. Students who wish to verify their immunization status may go to our student health portal. Students with signs and symptoms consistent with possible mumps are advised to seek care at Student Health and Wellness or from their primary care provider if they have returned home for winter break. Student Health and Wellness Medical Care hours during winter session are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday – 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed for medical care December 24, 25, 31 and January 1) For more information, please visit our Mumps FAQ page. Ellyssa Eror, MD, Medical Director UCONN STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLNESS MEDICAL CARE, HILDA MAY WILLIAMS BUILDING 234 GLENBROOK ROAD, U-4011 STORRS, CT 06269-4011 860.486.4700