More students showing possible mumps symptoms

By Quanecia Fraser

Editor-in-chief

With one case of confirmed mumps on Tarleton State University’s Stephenville campus, officials said Wednesday that more students are presenting symptoms that could be from mumps.

The university is working with students who report  mumps-like symptoms. Students presenting these symptoms are asked “to self-isolate and to work with university officials to identify the sixth day (after certain symptom[s]) when it is acceptable for the student to return to class and other activities,”  according to an email informing faculty and staff about the the new appearance of possible mumps symptoms.

Faculty and staff were notified of both the confirmed case and the appearance of symptoms that could be from mumps.

University officials say they are “taking additional precautions designed to prevent the spread of the virus.”

In the email about the appearance of possible mumps symptoms, Associate Provost Dwayne Snider, advised that “anyone having questions related to their specific health situation should contact their primary care physician.”

The initial symptoms of mumps are similar to symptoms in strep, flu and other illnesses. It takes three to seven days to confirm whether an individual has mumps.

Today, the Associated Press reported that Texas is currently experiencing its highest number of mumps cases in more than twenty years.

The Student Health Services staff will be available to take questions about the disease.

The university is advising to practice personal hygiene, stay alert for symptoms, and to provide support for students who have presented mumps-like symptoms and are not able to attend class due to self-isolation.

More information about mumps can be found on the Center for Disease Control website at: www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4211.pdf