Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge has reported 20 mumps cases on campus this month, according to WAFB-9 News.
Parham Jaberi, MD, assistant state health officer with the Louisiana Department of Health, told WAFB-9 News the challenge with mumps outbreaks is that infected individuals may not display symptoms for up to three weeks.
"It becomes a challenge because once we identify the problem through public health, we're playing catch up," said Dr. Jaberi, adding that few other mumps cases have been identified in other parts of the state as well.
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The mumps is typically spread through sneezing, coughing and the exchange of saliva through kissing and the sharing of common items like cups. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite in addition to swollen salivary glands that cause puffy cheeks and swollen jaw.
To learn more about the mumps, click here.
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