This is an update to the memo sent last Friday, October 27, 2017. The DC Department of Health notified us that a total of five suspected Mumps cases have been reported at American University. So far, all affected students have been isolated for five days after their initial symptoms, in accordance with DC Department of Health guidelines.

The DC Department of Health has contacted the affected students to identify any other potentially affected students who might be at direct risk of contracting mumps.

Mumps is usually spread through contact with saliva, so we recommend that people do not share drinks, food or eating utensils with others over the next few months. As with many infectious illnesses, frequent hand washing is also an important way to prevent it from spreading. The virus typically goes away on its own, however, and patients fully recover.

If you have Mumps symptoms (fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, plus swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears one or both sides), please contact the Student Health Center by phone at 202-885-3380 or via email shc@american.edu.

We have been working with close cooperation with the DC Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on this matter we and encourage you to visit their web sites for additional information.

If you have questions regarding Mumps, please contact the Student Health Center at shc@american.edu or by phone at 202-885-3380.