Kansas State University has confirmed a second student with the mumps, according to a press release sent to KMAN.
Both students confirmed with the mumps reside off campus. The university is directly notifying anyone who may have been in close contact with the students.
“Kansas State University is informing students, faculty and staff who may have been in contact with either student,” said Jim Parker, director of the university’s Lafene Health Center. “All K-Staters should review their vaccination records, as a precaution, to see if they have had two measles-mumps-rubella, or MMR, vaccinations. If anyone experiences possible symptoms, they should contact Lafene or their medical provider.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms for the mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite and swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides. It is spread from respiratory droplets, which are transmitted by sneezing and coughing.
Students with symptoms — even if they have received the MMR vaccine — should immediately call Lafene Health Center at 785-532-6544 and ask for a nurse before they visit the health center. Students, family members, faculty and staff should read the university’s mumps update website for more information, resources and a list of frequently asked questions.
Lafene Health Center can administer the MMR vaccine for Kansas State University students, faculty and staff. The center also is working with the Riley County Health Department and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to provide information to the Manhattan campus and surrounding community about the symptoms of mumps, how it is transmitted and how to prevent the spread of this infection.
For additional questions about class absences, contact the Office of Student Life at 785-532-6432 or stulife@k-state.edu.
