The Riley County Health Department (RCHD), Lafene Health Center and Kansas Department of Health and
Environment (KDHE) continue to investigate an ongoing mumps outbreak associated with Kansas State University’s Manhattan campus. In an effort to prevent and/or minimize additional cases, KDHE is recommending a third dose of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine for close contacts of known cases. The recommendation is being made based on outbreak control guidance set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). RCHD, Lafene Health Center and KDHE will continue to quickly identify and directly contact students, faculty or staff determined to be at an increased risk, and will provide those identified additional information about receiving a third dose of MMR vaccine. Lafene Health Center will coordinate the vaccination efforts on campus, with support being provided by RCHD and KDHE.
To date, there have been 15 cases identified with an associated to the University since January 2017. Information is subject to change as investigations continue.
K-State Basketball Coach Bruce Weber had confirmed the mumps had reached the team during an interview late last month.
Mumps is a contagious disease caused by the mumps virus. Symptoms of illness include: fever, swelling of the parotid gland(s) (parotitis), myalgia, malaise, loss of appetite and headache. Other complications including orchitis (swelling of the testicles), oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries), meningitis and encephalitis. Symptoms generally last 2-10 days, and individuals are most infectious from two days before onset of symptoms to five days after onset; most people recover completely in a few weeks.
Mumps is a four-hour reportable disease in the state of Kansas. All cases should be reported to KDHE by calling the epidemiology hotline (1-877-427-7317). Anyone who suspects they have mumps should contact their health care provider immediately and stay home from work, school and any social activities. KSU students, faculty or staff who are concerned that they have mumps should call Lafene Health Center at 785-532-6544.
Mumps is spread through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose or throat of an infected person, usually when a person coughs, sneezes or talks. Items used by an infected person, such as cups or eating utensils can also be contaminated with the virus and may spread the disease to others.
Aside from staying isolated if you have mumps, other ways to prevent spreading the virus include:
Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and properly discarding the tissue. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve/elbow, not your hands
- Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils
- Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, tables and countertops.
MMR vaccine prevents most cases of mumps, but not all. Some people who receive two doses of MMR can still get mumps, especially if they have prolonged close contact with someone who has the disease. If a vaccinated person does become sick with mumps, illness can be less severe than in an unvaccinated person. The most effective way to reduce risk of contracting mumps is by being vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.
