The DeKalb County Health Department confirms a Northern Illinois University student has a lab-confirmed case of mumps. According to a Campus Update, the DeKalb County Health Department, Illinois Department of Public Health and NIU Health Services are working together to provide information to the community about symptoms of mumps, and how it is transmitted.
If an individual is vaccinated against mumps, the risk of getting mumps is very low. However, it is possible to get mumps, regardless of your age or vaccination status.
Mumps is an acute infectious viral disease that can cause swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands in the cheeks and jaw. Other symptoms include, fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite.
The time it takes for symptoms to appear after a person is exposed to the virus can range from 12 to 25 days. In Illinois, persons with mumps must stay home until at least 5 days after the onset of symptoms.