Health department confirms 2 cases of mumps at IU

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH/AP) — The Indiana State Department of Health has confirmed two cases of mumps in Indiana University students. 

According to a Thursday release, the state Health Department, along with the Monroe County Health Department and IU Bloomington are investigating the cases. 

An IU spokesman said two students who were roommates in an off-campus apartment contracted the disease. The school has issued an advisory saying health officials are working to identify anyone who may have been in close contact with the students.

Mumps is contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing. Common symptoms are fever, headache, and painfully swollen salivary glands that can cause puffy cheeks. Most people recover within weeks. Outbreaks are rare but have happened in Texas and the Houston region.

The mumps vaccine is part of routine childhood shots. U.S. health officials recommend that by age 6, all children get vaccinated for mumps, measles and rubella.