State health officials say that nine cases of mumps have been reported this fall on the Fayetteville campus and are asking students to get vaccinated.
According to the University of Arkansas policy, students who are not immunized with at least two doses of MMR will need to be vaccinated.
A public health directive reportedly released by the Arkansas Department of Health Sunday, states the students will need to be vaccinated immediately or excluded from class/class activities for 26 days due to state law.
The TV station reports that a student can return to class immediately after they get the first dose of the vaccine and must get a second dose within 28 days of the second dose.
“As of today, there have been 9 cases of mumps at the U of A this fall and other possible cases are being investigated,” the directive dated Nov. 22 said.
The disease is caused by a virus that can be spread through coughing and sneezing. There is no treatment for the disease and people can develop health problems like meningitis, deafness and encephalitis.
Mumps usually causes the following symptoms that can last between 7 to 10 days:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite (not wanting to eat)
- Swollen glands under ears or jaw
ADH also recommends that anyone under the age of 6-year-old get a dose of MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months and a second dose at four to six years old; ages seven through 18 must have two doses of MMR vaccine if they have not received it already, with a second dose at least 28 days after the first one.
People born in 1957 or later, who have not received the vaccine, are recommended to have at least one dose with those who travel the second dose 28 days after the first one.
Those born before 1957 are considered to be immune from mumps and do not need the vaccine, according to the health department.
Health officials recommend that people with symptoms to not go to work or public places and to call a doctor before going to a clinic.
