Dear Parents,
As you may have learned, the Arkansas Department of Health recently confirmed two cases of mumps involving University of Arkansas students. These are the first confirmed cases involving the university, however transmission of the virus does not appear to be on campus at this time.
I want to assure you everyone at the Pat Walker Health Center is making every effort to stop the spread of mumps and engage our campus community to do their part. And, with winter break upon us, I also want to make sure you know how to keep your students healthy this holiday season.
Thanks to our great partnership with the health department and key university groups, we were able to quickly alert the campus community and those who may have been potentially exposed.
The health, safety and well being of our campus community are our top priorities, and we are taking every precaution necessary to ensure our students, faculty and staff have the best education and access to resources available to protect themselves and others.
How can you help us?
When contagious and infectious public health concerns impact our campus, it’s imperative everyone is aware and ready to act. We encourage you to learn more about mumps and talk with your student(s) about how they can protect themselves.
The best way to protect against mumps is to get the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, and we urge everyone to confirm they are up-to-date on the CDC suggested two doses. We also recommend practicing effective respiratory hygiene such as washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, disinfecting surfaces and not sharing food and drinks.
We encourage anyone who hasn’t received the MMR vaccine, or needs a second dose, to contact our Allergy, Immunization and Travel Clinic at 479-575-7723, or schedule an appointment online at myhealth.uark.edu. A MMR vaccine booster is also available for anyone who has already had the recommended two doses, and wants to take additional steps to protect themself.
What should you be aware of?
Mumps can be serious, but most people recover completely in a few weeks. Because it can take 16 to 18 days for symptoms to develop, be on the look out for common symptoms this winter break: fever, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite and puffy cheeks and/or swollen jaw. If you notice symptoms, make sure to call your doctor and take appropriate steps to avoid spreading the virus.
We are actively working with the health department, and are committed to providing you with the most up-to-date and resourceful information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Allergy, Travel & Immunization Clinic at 479-575-7723, or email immu@uark.edu.
On behalf of the entire staff at the Pat Walker Health Center, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.