Meningitis and mumps spread on
Since the beginning of the academic year, there have been five confirmed cases of mumps and one confirmed case of meningitis on the University of Idaho campus, said Vandal Health Education Coordinator Emily Tuschhoff.
Although UI faces infectious diseases every year, she said the amount and variety of illnesses this year are unusual.
Tuschhoff said UI is doing what it can to address the surge in viruses this fall. She said the most important thing students can do is pay attention to their health and be wary of symptoms.
“We really are trying to bump up our information about seeking medical care if it begins to feel like something they can’t handle on their own,” she said. “Especially if they have the telltale signs of mumps, which is the swelling of the cheeks — certainly if you have the swollen glands, go to the doctor. If you have a fever of over 101.5, definitely call and make an appointment to get in.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. The most obvious symptom is swelling of the salivary glands under the ear or jaw. Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, chills, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and joint or muscle pain.
Tuschhoff said both mumps and meningitis are bacterial infections and are spread in the same way: the bacteria is held in saliva and mucus droplets from the mouth, nose or throat are normally transmitted through coughing, sneezing and even talking in close proximity to another person.
She said the most common ways the infections are spread are through sharing drinks, cups and utensils, or by being in close contact with other people and not washing their hands or frequently touching surfaces. Many people carry the disease without showing symptoms, she said, so even if a person does not display symptoms, it does not mean they aren’t contagious.
Vaccines for both mumps and meningitis exist. Tuschhoff said most students have already had the vaccine that helps prevent mumps — the MMR vaccine, which also protects against measles and rubella. The first dose of the vaccine is usually given to babies and a second dose is recommended between the ages of four and six.
UI also offers free meningitis vaccines for students. Although free meningitis clinics were available in August and September, students can always get vaccinated at the Student Health Clinic.
Tuschhoff said while she acknowledges there are individuals who may believe vaccinations are not necessary, she recommends them because they’re proven to be effective in preventing the spread of illness.
Tuschhoff said she encourages students to be aware of the diseases they are at risk for, how they spread and how to protect themself from viruses.
“We work really hard to spread awareness about disease transmission,” she said. “It’s really important that when students are feeling sick that they stay home. We know this can be hard for school, but sometimes it’s just taking that initial step to email professors.”
Tuschhoff said there are other illnesses more typical for the season than mumps and meningitis. She said the flu can become dangerous if not treated early enough and students should take advantage of the free flu shots offered by the university.
As for students concerned about Ebola, a rare and deadly disease currently causing an epidemic in West Africa, Bill Smith, director of the University of Idaho Martin Institute and Program in International Studies, said students shouldn’t worry. Ebola is only spread through direct contact with bodily fluids from a contagious person showing symptoms, Smith said, and once the liquid dries the bacteria dies.
As of Monday, the CDC has confirmed four cases of Ebola in the U.S., including one death.
“It is not much of a problem in America right now,” Smith said. “Which doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be vigilant. If concern leads to awareness instead of fear mongering, I think concern is a good thing.”
Smith said while the probability of an Ebola case on the Palouse is slim, he thinks the university community should be attentive of their travels.
“We are highly unlikely to get cases here, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get cases here,” he said. “We have people going out and coming back all over the world all the time, even in an isolated place like the Palouse. That means there’s a chance that things can come here. I think it’s highly unlikely, but certainly there’s a chance.”
Kelsey Stevenson can be reached at [email protected]