Health Updates

Mumps spreads from person to person through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose, or throat. A person with mumps can spread the virus starting two days before symptoms begin through five days after symptoms begin by coughing, sneezing, or talking. Mumps can also spread by sharing items that may have saliva on them, like utensils or water bottles, or participating in close contact activities with others, such as sports or kissing. The best way to prevent mumps is to get vaccinated.

Symptoms may include:

• Swollen glands under the ears and jaw
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
  

If you experience symptoms consistent with mumps, avoid close contact with others and call Student Health Services 310.338.2881 to seek further guidance. If you must leave home or be around others, please wear a well fitting mask to reduce the sink of spreading illness to items.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed should contact their healthcare provider or Student Health Services at 310.338.2881 or visit the MyHealth portal for guidance and monitor themselves for symptoms.

If you develop symptoms of mumps, such as pain or swelling around the ears, jaw, or cheeks, or believe you may be ill, contact your health provider or Student Health Services at 310.338.2881 or visit the MyHealth portal.

Yes. As part of the university’s immunization requirements, all enrolled LMU students are required to provide proof of two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, or laboratory evidence of immunity, subject to approved exemptions.

Yes, since immunity can wane over time. However, the MMR vaccine provides strong protection and significantly reduces the risk of infection and severe illness. Vaccinated individuals who contract mumps generally experience milder symptoms and fewer complications.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms typically appear 16 to 18 days after infection, but they may appear 12 to 25 days after infection. 

Some people with mumps have very mild symptoms (like a cold). Some people have no symptoms at all and may not know they have mumps. In rare cases, mumps can cause more severe complications. Most people with mumps recover completely within two weeks.

The university is working closely with public health officials and Student Health Services to monitor the situation, identify close contacts if necessary, and provide guidance to the campus community.

The best way to prevent mumps is to get the  mumps vaccine. 

• Ensure your MMR vaccination is up to date.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid sharing food, drinks, utensils, or personal items.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Stay home if you are feeling ill.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), close contact includes direct exposure to saliva or respiratory droplets, such as through kissing, sharing drinks or being coughed or sneezed on. It may also include being in very close proximity to someone with mumps for a prolonged period while that person is contagious. Respiratory droplets generally travel three feet or less.

Simply being in the same classroom does not automatically mean someone is considered a close contact. Public health officials evaluate factors including proximity, duration and the type of interaction. 

At this time, no outbreak of mumps has been identified on campus, and university health officials and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health continue to monitor the situation. Campus operations continue as normal. Individuals should monitor their health and stay home if they develop symptoms or feel unwell.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a mumps outbreak is defined as three or more cases linked by time and place.