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Three of four students with mumps at Texas State are roommates, officials say

According to the Hays County Local Health Department, three of the students are roommates.

SAN MARCOS, Texas -- Multiple Texas State University students are being evaluated for the mumps, four of which tested positive, a health department spokesman said.

The university initially sent out a notification on May 8 and worked in cooperation with the Hays County Local Health Department to investigate the cases.

By May 16, four students have tested positive for Mumps. According to the health department, three of the students are roommates, and officials have not been able to determine a link between the fourth student and the others. Three other students were tested for mumps because of suspicious symptoms; however, their results have come back negative, officials said.

As of May 16, the health department does not have any other cases pending at this time.

According to a letter sent out to students, the university worked with the health department to notify other close contacts and said potentially exposed persons would be notified via their university email.

The letter states that the mumps virus is transmitted through coughing, sneezing, kissing, sharing personal items such as cups and utensils, or touching contaminated surfaces. Mumps symptoms usually develop 16 to 18 days after infection and most commonly include fever, headache, body aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, or tender swelling of the salivary glands below the ear or jaw on one or both sides.

The university said the most common complication of mumps includes testicular swelling and pain, while less common complications include meningitis, encephalitis, hearing loss and pelvic pain due to ovarian swelling and pain. Treatment includes supportive care, rest, medication for fever or pain, and cold packs for swollen glands.

The letter advised students to seek medical care by calling the Student Health Center at 512-245-2161 or your doctor's office if you develop these symptoms or believe you may have been in contact with a person confirmed to have the mumps.

The HCHD said the best way to prevent the mumps to make sure you have had two doses of the MMR vaccine, which is available for children and adults. Those who are diagnosed are suggested to isolate themselves for a week. After the swelling appears below the ear or jaw, the HCD says that person is highly contagious for at least five days.

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