DHEC confirms case of the mumps at Winthrop University

DHEC has confirmed a case of the mumps with connection to Winthrop University. A press release says that anyone who resides in or visited Winthrop from February 2nd to February 6th may have been exposed.

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that may result in swelling in one or both salivary glands in the cheek and jaw area below the ear.  Other common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite.

Symptoms usually appear 16-18 days after infection.  Some people who get mumps have very mild to no symptoms and often do not know.  Mumps is spread through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose or throat.

To prevent the spread of mumps DHEC says to wash your hands frequently, and to not share food, drink, eating utensils or cigarette with someone you think may have the disease.