Mumps outbreak extends beyond Ohio State

63 cases confirmed, including 45 linked to campus

3/24/2014
ASSOCIATED PRESS

COLUMBUS — Health officials say a mumps outbreak in the Columbus area has grown to 63 cases, including 45 linked to Ohio State University.

Columbus Public Health said today that the people infected with the contagious viral illness range in age from 4 to 55. The cases span from early January to this past weekend.

The total includes 36 students and four Ohio State staff members. Health officials are urging residents to make sure they have properly received two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, known as MMR.

Mumps often starts with fever, fatigue and body aches. It can be spread by droplets of saliva or mucus. Those infected are urged to stay home for a few days, cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing and frequently wash their hands.