Indianapolis News and Headlines

Actions

IU Bloomington offering free MMR vaccines

Posted at 11:52 AM, Feb 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-22 17:20:43-05

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- IU Bloomington is offering free measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations to students, faculty and staff after five cases of the virus have been reported on campus. 

The vaccinations will be offered Wednesday and Thursday in the Georgian Room on the first floor of the Indiana Memorial Union. 

The clinics will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday. 

The university released a statement saying it has worked with the Monroe County Health Department and the Indiana State Department of Health to notify anybody who has been in close contact with the cases.

PREVIOUS | Nine cases of mumps reported at Butler University | Mumps case confirmed at IUPUI 

The incidents at IU and Butler are now considered outbreaks by state health officials. 

"At this time, there is no link between the cases at the two universities, so they are considered separate outbreaks,” said State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams. “Mumps is a highly contagious respiratory disease, so I encourage all Hoosiers to make sure your measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations are up to date. The best protection against mumps is to get vaccinated.” 

IU health officials say anybody who has symptoms should stay home and call before visiting the health center. IU officials also encouraged university members to check their vaccination records with their primary-care provider and obtain copies if needed.

Mumps is caused by a virus. Symptoms typically appear 16 to 18 days after exposure and include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swollen, tender salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides

MUMPS | How its transmitted  | Symptoms  | FAQ's

Mumps can spread by sneezing and coughing near others and transmitting infected respiratory droplets.

 

-----

Download the new and improved RTV6 app to get the latest news on the go and receive alerts to your phone

Sign up to have the latest news headlines delivered straight to your email inbox