Community Health Advisory |
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On Oct. 29, LMU Student Health Services (SHS) was notified of a second confirmed case of mumps within the LMU community. The individual diagnosed with mumps does not reside on campus. The two confirmed cases are linked through close contact. SHS continues to coordinate with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) to implement recommended health precautions, including ongoing symptom monitoring, testing, and additional MMR vaccinations for eligible individuals. At this time, no outbreak of mumps has been identified on campus.
LMU has directly notified all potentially exposed persons and offered specific public health guidance and resources. If you have not received a direct notification from LMU, you are not considered exposed to this case.
What is mumps and how is it spread?
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. One in five persons with mumps do not have symptoms and can still spread the disease while they are infectious. The best way to prevent mumps is to get vaccinated.
Symptoms
Mumps is a contagious viral illness. Symptoms may include:
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- Swollen glands under the ears and jaw
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite.
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If you are experiencing symptoms:
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Students are encouraged to contact Student Health Services at 310.338.2881 or by making an appointment on the MyHealth Portal or with their own healthcare provider to discuss further screening and assessment.
- Faculty and staff are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider to discuss further screening and assessment or Tracie Montgomery, Retirement and Workers’ Compensation Manager, at 310.338.5967 for assistance accessing care.
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The following resources are available to provide guidance, answer questions, and connect you with support as needed:
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MMR Vaccine Reminder
The best way to prevent mumps is by staying up to date on your MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. While mumps vaccines provide some immunity against mumps, immunity wanes over time. For this reason, an additional dose of MMR vaccine is recommended for people who are at increased risk of mumps infection, including close contacts to cases and others in the community who choose to protect themselves. This additional dose can prevent illness from a future mumps exposure. Please speak to your provider on whether you should consider an additional dose of MMR vaccine. Further information about mumps disease and the MMR vaccine is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and through Student Health Services.
As part of the LMU’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. All students should verify their vaccines are uploaded to the MyHealth Portal.
Tips for Preventing Mumps and Other Respiratory Illnesses
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- Avoid sharing food, drinks, utensils, or personal items.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Stay home if you are feeling ill.
- Consider wearing a mask.
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LMU will continue to follow public health guidance and provide updates to the campus community as needed.
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Loyola Marymount University 1 LMU Drive, University Hall, Suite 2800 | Los Angeles, CA 90045 US
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