2008 Woodie Awards
Mumps swelling up in Iowa
Christina Voss
Issue date: 3/23/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Kirkwood Community College Campus Health is currently working with the Linn County Public Health Department, The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the University Hygienic Laboratory to assess the mumps outbreak that has been occurring all across eastern Iowa.
According to the IDPH, mumps is a viral infection and is contagious. It is spread by sneezing, coughing and sharing utensils, cups or other objects that have been in contact with saliva. After exposure it usually takes two or three weeks for symptoms to appear.
The IDPH has identified 45 probable and confirmed cases of mumps in the state as of March 8. The majority of these cases have occurred in the last month and are in eastern Iowa. A large age range of infected people has been identified, ranging from 18 to 40 years old. There has been one laboratory confirmed case of mumps at the Kirkwood main campus. So far Linn County has identified three cases but Johnson County has identified 10 cases.
The primary symptom is swelling or pain close to the jaw, on one or both sides of the face. Associated symptoms can include fever, cough or sore throat.
Kirkwood Campus Nurse Becky Hammond stated "100 percent of cases seen recently in Iowa see swelling on the backside of the throat or neck."
Campus Health and the IDPH have sent letters to all Kirkwood students warning them of the severity of this outbreak and what action needs to be taken if students feel they my have the mumps. Hammond also said "students should make sure to read the letter and realize the symptoms."
Even though there is no specific treatment for mumps, the IDPH is advising people that feel that they have any of the above symptoms for two days or longer, to seek medical attention immediately.
The college as well as the IDPH is recommending a period of isolation for any person with suspicious symptoms.
Hammond added that "By making people more aware of this outbreak, the IDPH and Campus Health are anticipating preventing the further spread of mumps here in Iowa,"
According to the IDPH, mumps is a viral infection and is contagious. It is spread by sneezing, coughing and sharing utensils, cups or other objects that have been in contact with saliva. After exposure it usually takes two or three weeks for symptoms to appear.
The IDPH has identified 45 probable and confirmed cases of mumps in the state as of March 8. The majority of these cases have occurred in the last month and are in eastern Iowa. A large age range of infected people has been identified, ranging from 18 to 40 years old. There has been one laboratory confirmed case of mumps at the Kirkwood main campus. So far Linn County has identified three cases but Johnson County has identified 10 cases.
The primary symptom is swelling or pain close to the jaw, on one or both sides of the face. Associated symptoms can include fever, cough or sore throat.
Kirkwood Campus Nurse Becky Hammond stated "100 percent of cases seen recently in Iowa see swelling on the backside of the throat or neck."
Campus Health and the IDPH have sent letters to all Kirkwood students warning them of the severity of this outbreak and what action needs to be taken if students feel they my have the mumps. Hammond also said "students should make sure to read the letter and realize the symptoms."
Even though there is no specific treatment for mumps, the IDPH is advising people that feel that they have any of the above symptoms for two days or longer, to seek medical attention immediately.
The college as well as the IDPH is recommending a period of isolation for any person with suspicious symptoms.
Hammond added that "By making people more aware of this outbreak, the IDPH and Campus Health are anticipating preventing the further spread of mumps here in Iowa,"