CLEMSON, SC (WSPA) – A confirmed case of the mumps has been identified in connection with Clemson University, according to an email sent to students.
The S.C. Department of Heath and Environmental Control (DHEC) said anyone who resided in or visited Clemson University from Nov. 21 to Nov. 29 may have been exposed, according to the email.
Officials say the risk of infection for people who had the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine is lower, but it is important to be aware of the symptoms because people can contract the disease even if you are fully vaccinated.
Symptoms include:
– Two-thirds of those infected experience swelling of one of more of the salivary glands, usually below and in front of the ear that causes the cheeks to look swollen.
– Headache
– Tiredness
– Sore throat
– Fever
– Chills
Symptoms begin about 14 to 18 days after exposure.
Up to 20 percent of infections have no symptoms.
40% – 50% may have only nonspecific or primary respiratory symptoms.
Most of reported cases are in kids 5 – 14 years old.
Infections in adults tend to produce severe disease.
DHEC says most people recover completely on their own and the best treatment is rest, drinking plenty of fluids and over-the-counter medicine to reduce fever and headache.
It is spread from person-to-person by coughing and sneezing.