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Mumps reported at another Va. university

Posted at 8:07 PM, Apr 07, 2013
and last updated 2013-04-07 20:07:36-04

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WTVR) — Another university in Virginia is dealing with a reported case of the mumps.

James Madison University is warning students that one person on campus has come down with the viral infection.

Students and staff are being urged to contact the University Health Center at 540-568-4514 if symptoms develop.

Mumps is an acute viral disease that is transmitted from person-to-person through coughing and sneezing, but can also be spread through direct contact such as sharing drinks, or kissing.

People who become infected with mumps may not show symptoms until 12 to 25 days after exposure. Most people recover from the illness within a week, but complications are possible and potentially severe.

Unfortunately there is no treatment for mumps other than supportive care. To prevent spreading the virus to others isolate yourself at home and avoid interaction with other people for at least five days after the onset of symptoms.

Additionally, the Richmond City Health Department confirmed a case of mumps in the VCU communityin late March. About a week before that a similar situation was reported at the University of Richmond.

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