BRONX, N.Y., Feb. 21 (UPI) -- More than a dozen Fordham University students have been infected with mumps.
The contagious disease, nearly forgotten after years of vaccination, shows itself through fatigue, dry mouth, fever and loss of appetite before a swelling of the glands occurs. Some people carry the virus without ever showing symptoms.
The Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses of Fordham, both located in New York, have reported cases. On Thursday, the university said it had 10 cases since January. Now, the count is up to 13.
“All the students with suspected mumps infections have either returned home or have been isolated from other residents during the infectious phase of the illness,” Fordham officials said.
“Typically, mumps patients are contagious for two days prior to the outbreak of symptoms and five days after.”
The university also said all 13 of the students had been vaccinated for mumps -- but the antivirus, usually administered in children, may weaken by adulthood.
Fordham sent out an email alert detailing signs of mumps, and encouraged regular hand-washing as the disease is spread through saliva and mucus.
“Mumps in college-age men and women usually runs its course without any lasting effects,” the university said.
“Nonetheless, the university is trying to see what connection there might be among the affected students while stepping up the frequency and intensity of cleanings in communal bathrooms.”
[Pix11] [NYPost]
