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Mumps is a viral infection. The most common symptoms are fever, headache, muscle aches and fatigue, followed by swelling of the parotid salivary glands. On rare occasions, mumps is associated with more severe complications, but most people recover fully.
The virus is transmitted through droplets spread through coughing or sneezing. Individuals with mumps can transmit the virus from just before symptoms start to nine days after the onset of symptoms. It takes 12 to 25 days from exposure to the onset of symptoms; the typical incubation period is 16 to 18 days.
Vaccination is still the best way to prevent mumps. More than 97% of Penn students have received two doses of mumps vaccine, which prevents about 90% of cases.
Immunization or re-immunization of a susceptible individual after possible exposure will not prevent illness. Therefore, if a friend or contact has already been exposed, there is no reason to alter living arrangements, nor any reason to re-immunize.
Students who have any symptoms of mumps should self-isolate and contact the Student Health Service by phone at 215-746-3535 to arrange for a medical consultation.
Please contact Student Health Service at 215-746-3535 with questions not addressed by the information below.
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