Officials with Syracuse (N.Y.) University increased the case count in an ongoing mumps outbreak to 14 Monday, according to Syracuse.com.
University officials first notified students of the spread of mumps on campus via email Sept. 21. At the time, there were two confirmed cases. By the week of Oct. 2, there were eight cases.
"Since my last communication, several more mumps cases have been confirmed," Karen Nardella, MD, of SU's Office of Health Services wrote in an email Monday, according to Syracuse.com. "At this time, there are 14 confirmed cases. This is a serious matter, and we need your help to prevent the further spread of mumps."
Dr. Nardella encouraged the university community to engage in good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the mumps. She also urged individuals to get vaccinated against the virus if they haven't yet.
"Although vaccination is your best protection, it's not 100 percent effective," Dr. Nardella wrote in the email, according to Syracuse.com. "In fact, every Syracuse student who has contracted mumps has been properly vaccinated."
The mumps is often spread via sneezing, coughing and the sharing of common items, like cups, that come into contact with saliva. The illness is characterized by swollen salivary glands, fever and headache.
To learn more about the mumps, click here.
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