Orange County NC Website
UNC student tested for probable case of <br />mumps <br />May 1, 2017 - 2:43 pm <br /> <br />A UNC student is being tested for a probable case of the mumps. The dates the student <br />may have been infectious were April 23 through April 30. The student lives off -campus <br />and the risk to the general population of contracting mumps from this student is low. <br />However, we want to provide you with information about mumps and provide guidance <br />on what to do if you suspect you may have become infected. <br /> <br />About Mumps: <br />Mumps is a viral illness best known for the puffy cheeks and swollen jaw that it <br />causes. The most common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, unusual tiredness, <br />loss of appetite, headache, and swollen, tender salivary glands under the ears on one <br />or both sides. Though medical complications can occur, most people fully recover from <br />mumps. <br /> <br />How Mumps is spread: <br />Mumps is spread through direct contact with respiratory droplets (from coughing and <br />sneezing) and saliva from an infected person. To prevent the spread of this virus, wash <br />your hands frequently, cover your cough and sneezes, avoid close contact with ill <br />individuals, and do not share beverages, eating utensils or cigarettes. <br /> <br />What you can do: <br />Symptoms usually begin 16-18 days after exposure, but the range can be as short as <br />14 days and as long as 25 days from the exposure. People with mumps are most <br />infectious 2 days before their symptoms begin but may be infectious as much as 7 days <br />before onset of symptoms. <br />Symptoms from exposure to this student would develop between May 7 and May 23, <br />2017.