A student at The University of Western Ontario has been diagnosed with mumps and the Middlesex-London Health Unit says it is possible that more students may develop the infection.
Mumps is a contagious disease that typically starts with a few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite, and is followed by swelling of the salivary glands. The glands at the side of the face are most commonly affected. The swelling can be on one or both sides of the face, however, not everybody with mumps gets swelling of the face.
Mumps is spread when secretions from the mouth or nose of the infected person get into the mouth or nose of others. Complications of mumps can include swelling of the testicles, meningitis and deafness. Long-term problems as a result of mumps can occur but are infrequent.
Anyone who develops symptoms of mumps should stay home for at least five days from the start of symptoms to prevent spread to others. Students who the think they may be infected should not attend classes and should call their health care provider or Student Health Services at 519-661-3030.
Mumps vaccinations can provide protection against mumps infection. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended for anyone born in 1970 or later. Those born on or after 1970 that have not received two doses of MMR vaccine or are uncertain of their past vaccinations should receive the MMR vaccine. It is available by calling Student Health Services, visiting your health care provider or by attending the drop-in Immunization Clinic at the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit Immunization Clinic is located at 50 King Street, on the corner of King and Ridout, and is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On the first and third Wednesday of each month, it is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment and no health card are needed.
For more information contact the Middlesex-London Health Unit at 519-663-5317 ext. 2330 or visit the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care website.