In light of questions raised concerning a confirmed case of mumps of a Longwood University student, Longwood University and The Herald provided information from Virginia Department of Health (VDH) concerning the virus, how long it is contagious, and the best ways to prevent outbreaks or cases of the virus.

The VDH Piedmont Health District recently confirmed a single case of mumps from a Longwood University student who lives off campus.

Longwood University Spokesperson Matthew McWilliams said Thursday that the student was not on campus, and is expected to return to campus when no longer contagious. He stated it could not be released whether the student in question had been vaccinated.

All full time undergraduate and graduate students of Longwood University are required to be vaccinated against numerous diseases, including being vaccinated with the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine (MMR), the Tetanus/Diphtheria vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine and polio vaccine, according to the Longwood University website.

The requirement would not apply for part time students, including undergraduate students taking fewer than 12 credits, or graduate students taking fewer than nine credits.

According to documentation from the VDH, mumps most often occurs in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated populations, or in settings such as schools or colleges where people are frequently in close contact with one another.

Those born prior to 1957 were most likely infected with the mumps virus and have natural immunity.

It is only possible to get the mumps virus once.

“The most common signs and symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and swelling and tenderness of one or more salivary glands under the ears or jaw on one or both sides of the face (parotitis),” documentation from the VDH cited. “Swelling of the testicles occurs in up to 10 (percent) of males who have reached puberty; this does not usually result in sterility. About one in three persons infected with mumps virus do not have any signs or symptoms of illness, or may present with a respiratory infection without any apparent salivary gland swelling.”

Mumps, according to the VDH, is spread by droplets of saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat of an infected person, usually when a person coughs or sneezes. Mumps can also spread when items used by an infected person that have been contaminated by saliva or mucus, such as eating utensils, drinks or lip balm are shared.

Symptoms of mumps usually appear 16 to 18 days after exposure, but may appear any time within 12 to 25 days after exposure, according to the VDH. Mumps is contagious from two days before until five days after the onset of swelling.

While complications from mumps can be rare, they can appear and be more common in people who have reached puberty.

Complications include central nervous system disorders such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal column), miscarriage of a pregnancy, arthritis, pancreatic involvement or deafness, according to the VDH.

Immunization is cited as one of the best solutions to prevent outbreaks or cases of mumps.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended for all children.

The first dose of MMR should be given at 12-15 months of age and the second dose before a child enters kindergarten (4-6 years of age), according to the VDH.

Those uncertain about their vaccination history, or whether they have had the disease, are encouraged to be vaccinated.

“Two doses of mumps vaccine are recommended for adults at high-risk for mumps exposure including health care personnel, international travelers and college students,” VDH officials cited.

Ways to help treat the symptoms of mumps, according to VDH officials, include applying intermittent ice or heat to the affected neck area, and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, warm salt water gargles, soft foods and extra fluids. VDH officials cautions those with mumps to avoid fruit juice or acidic foods, since these stimulate the salivary glands, which can be painful.

Those with concerns about mumps or interested in vaccination, the VDH encourages people to contact their health care provider.

The VDH encourages people to call the area health department if there is a concern about mumps locally. The Piedmont VDH office, located in Farmville, can be reached at (434) 392-3984.