Mumps

Mumps

person washing their hands

Washington State is experiencing an outbreak of mumps, which is an illness caused by a virus that can cause fever, headache, and swelling of the cheeks and jaw. In rare cases, mumps can lead to more serious complications that may require hospitalization. Up to 30% of people with mumps infection will have no symptoms. There are  known cases of mumps on the University of Washington campus in Seattle. 


Protect yourselves and others

  • Wash your hands often!  Especially after eating and after coming into contact with others.
  • Do not share cups plates, utensils and personal items.
  • Wipe off computers, cellphones and any shared items.
  • Contact your medical provider if you haven’t had two doses of the mumps vaccine.

Stay home if you get sick

  • Call your medical provider immediately if you think you have mumps
  • Don’t go to school, work or social events.
  • Arrange for food deliveyr to avoid spending time in common areas.
  • Stay home until five days after your cheeks or jaw start to swell.

Faculty

University of Washington Provost Gerald Baldasty has asked faculty to make accommodations for students who are ill with mumps, which can include:

• allowing students who are ill not to attend class;

• allowing students who are ill to re-schedule an exam for an alternate date;

• allowing students who are ill to take an exam from a remote location; or

• other mechanisms for students to complete course requirements.

Students

All UW Bothell students are required to be immunized against Mumps and Measles and is typically administered through two doses of the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella). This was verified during students’ first quarter by the Immunity Verification Program found here; https://wellbeing.uw.edu/medical/immunizations/immunization-requirement/. If you are not sure you have been immunized, please consult your healthcare provider.

If you are a student who has mumps or suspect you have mumps, please stay home. Faculty have been asked to consider accommodations for students who are ill with mumps, which can include:

• allowing students who are ill not to attend class;

• allowing students who are ill to re-schedule an exam for an alternate date;

• allowing students who are ill to take an exam from a remote location; or

• other mechanisms for students to complete course requirements.