Officials with San Joaquin County Public Health Services have confirmed mumps in two University of the Pacific students, and they're investigating seven other students who are reportedly showing symptoms of mumps. These are the first confirmed cases of mumps in San Joaquin County since 2011.
Mumps is a contagious viral infection that is spread by droplets of saliva or mucus. Symptoms of mumps include a swollen jaw and puffy cheeks as well as fever, headache, muscle aches and tiredness.
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Public health officials are encouraging that fully vaccinated students get another dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to boost their immunity. "We're recommending that third dose to try to stop the spread of the disease," Dr. Julie Vaishampayan, assistant health officer, said. "It does help if high numbers of students take that third dose." Students who have never had the MMR vaccine, or have had only one dose, should also be vaccinated. Vaccinations are being offered at the university's wellness center.
"It does help if high numbers of students take that third dose."
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mumps outbreaks can occur in communities with close contact, such as colleges and camps, even with high rates of vaccination.