A new case of the mumps has been confirmed in a University student, and another awaits test results, county spokeswoman Melinda Kletzok said Tuesday.
Six confirmed cases of the viral illness, including two cases in
University students, have been found in Lane County, and 21 cases are still awaiting results, Kletzok said.
The mumps is usually not a serious, life-threatening viral illness, and symptoms include headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, tiredness and other flu-like symptoms.
Puffy, swollen cheeks are often associated with the mumps but don’t always occur.
Symptoms take about 12-25 days to develop after exposure, and testing takes up to 14 days, Kletzok said. No specific treatment for the illness exists, but symptoms can be lessened by taking aspirin.
Rare complications from of the mumps include inflammation of the sexual glands leading to infertility, deafness and meningitis.
Having the illness in the past or taking two rounds of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccination typically makes people immune, KIetzok said.
The effectiveness of the MMR vaccine can be influenced by how it was prepared, stored and administered, Kletzok said. People who had both rounds can still catch the mumps.
Washing hands, staying home if symptoms occur and covering coughs and sneezes are three main ways to prevent the spread of the mumps, Kletzok said.