The number of mumps cases on campus is ‘at least 8’, it emerged today.
The rising figure was sent to students in an email following an initial warning which was sent to Derwent students earlier this week after officials had been notified of a suspected case in the college halls of residence.
But now the confirmed total number of cases amongst the student body is believed to be ‘at least eight’.
In a second email, students have been told: “There are currently a number of cases of Mumps diagnosed amongst the student body (at least 8). As mumps is quite contagious you should be aware of the symptoms in case you begin to feel ill during the next few weeks (although many of you should have been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine when you were a child).”
Mumps is a viral infection that people can get even if they have had the MMR jab.
Its symptoms include swelling of the glands below the ears, tenderness and difficult swallowing, headaches, joint pain, nausea, dry mouth, stomach ache, tiredness, loss of appetite and high temperature.
The National Health Service says the infection is most recognisable by “painful swellings at the side of the face under the ears, giving a person with mumps a distinctive ‘hamster face’ appearance”.
It adds that a suspected case should be referred to a doctor for diagnosis.
Students have been asked to contact NHS Direct on 111 as the “first port of call” if they believe they may have the virus.
In an email sent by Derwent College Dean Jenny Underhill last week, students were told: “If you have any concerns you can contact the College Welfare Team however if you believe you may have mumps please contact NHS Direct on 111 as your first port of call. They will advise you of the next steps to take. If you do have mumps it is best to return home, or try to stay isolated, as mumps is contagious.”
Students have also been asked to take a look at the information available on Unity Health’s website.
The campus clinic, which is situated near Central Hall, is able to provide advice and vaccination jabs if needed.