Health officials with Syracuse (N.Y.) University increased the number of confirmed cases related to an ongoing mumps outbreak among students to 51 on Dec. 6, according to a report from syracuse.com.
The new total marks a 14-case increase since Nov. 3. Additionally, officials reported 81 probable cases linked to the outbreak, which started in August. The outbreak has persisted despite the fact the university began offering previously vaccinated students a third dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine in October to prevent the further spread of the virus. More than 30 percent of undergrads have received the extra dose, according to syracuse.com.
The mumps is characterized by painful, swollen salivary glands. It is a highly transmissible illness passed via person-to-person contact. It is typically accompanied by initial symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite.
To learn more about the mumps, click here.
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