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Purdue health officials investigate 6 more possible mumps cases

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – An investigation is underway at Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus regarding six more probable cases of mumps.

Five cases were identified in early April. The university stated, just like earlier this year, Purdue is working with both the Tippecanoe County and Indiana state health departments to identify and notify anyone who may have been in close contact with these cases.

Informational signs are being sent to buildings that could have been affected. The university is also encouraging employees and staff to check their vaccination records to make sure they’re protected from contracting the virus.

Purdue health officials said the best way to prevent mumps is to be vaccinated with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, or MMR.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mumps is spread by sneezing and coughing. Mumps is caused by a virus and symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides.

Mumps cases also have been reported this year on at least three other college campuses: Indiana University-Bloomington, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and Butler University, also in Indianapolis.