By Emily Barker
De Montfort University (DMU) students have been warned about an outbreak of mumps.
In an email to students from the DMU Communications Office, said cases of the contagious disease have been reported at other universities, so students here are being given information about the symptoms.
A university spokesperson, said: “We have been notified of an increase in cases of suspected mumps affecting university students at other institutions.”
There have been cases of mumps reported among students in Nottingham.
What you need to know about mumps:
Mumps is a contagious viral infection. The most common symptom is the swelling of the parotid glands, which are located on either side of the face just below the ears, which are also responsible for producing saliva.
One of the symptoms of mumps is swelling of the face. PICTURE: NHS EnglandOther symptoms include headaches, joint pains, feeling sick, dry mouth, mild abdominal pain, feeling tired, loss of appetite and a high temperature of 38C or above.
Mumps is spread in the same way as colds and flu – through infected droplets of saliva that can be inhaled or picked up from surfaces and transferred into the mouth or nose.
A person is most contagious a few days before the symptoms develop and for a few days afterwards.
If you have mumps, you can help prevent it spreading by regularly washing your hands with soap and water, using and disposing of tissues when you sneeze and avoiding school or work for at least five days after the onset of swelling
If you think you have mumps, it is important to book an appointment with your GP.
Further information on mumps is available from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mumps/
