Three University of Michigan students with mumps

ANN ARBOR, MI – Three University of Michigan students have recently been diagnosed with mumps, University Health Service confirmed in a message posted on his website.

A message sent to students by UHS Executive Director Robert Ernst assured them that the problem was being addressed on campus.

"I want to assure you that we coordinate our activities with our campus partners, Michigan Medicine, and the state and county public health authorities, to identify, treat and prevent mumps," wrote Ernst.

According to UHS, mumps usually causes mild symptoms in immunized individuals. Symptoms usually go away on their own, but mumps is transmitted fairly easily and some people have complications.

The mumps virus is best known for causing swollen cheeks and a swollen jaw.

Symptoms may appear 12 to 25 days after exposure. According to UHS, a person with mumps may be able to pass it on to other people several days before the onset of symptoms of swelling of the cheeks and swollen jaw, until five days after the beginning of the symptoms.

According to UHS, the mumps virus is transmitted via droplets in the air. The virus can be transmitted by an infected person who coughs or sneezes and releases tiny droplets of contaminated saliva, which can then be inspired by another person. The virus can also be transmitted by direct contact with saliva.

Students, UHS patients and other members of the university community can call UHS at 734-764-8320 for more information.

Students can also use the Patient Portal to contact their healthcare team if they have ever visited UHS as a patient and have an account on the portal.