Dear Campus Community:

A possible, though low probability, case of mumps has been reported on campus.

McKinley Health Center has notified students and instructors in the Chemistry Department regarding possible exposure.

An information link is included below for your information. 

If you believe you may have mumps: we encourage you to seek medical care at McKinley Health Center.

http://mckinley.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/docs/mumps.pdf

As you know, the single best way to prevent spread of infectious illness is to wash your hands.

Since mumps is spread by droplets of saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat of an infected person, persons may prevent contracting mumps with a few simple actions:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue away after use.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If water is not near, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Do not share eating and/or drinking utensils.
• Refrain from close contact with individuals who are sick/experiencing symptoms.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. (Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.)

In situations such as this, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, area hospitals, and McKinley Health Center work closely together to ensure the safety of the campus and the community.

Additional information will be shared with the campus as it becomes available.

Dr. Danita M. B. Young
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs