This announcement was emailed to students, faculty and staff on Nov. 3 by Wake Forest Communications and External Relations:
A Wake Forest University undergraduate student has been evaluated for a possible case of mumps. The student was assessed and isolated to prevent the spread of this infection to members of the Wake Forest community. Wake Forest University is working with the Forsyth County Department of Public Health and the North Carolina Department of Public Health, Communicable Disease Branch, to evaluate and manage the situation. The student is excluded for the recommended isolation period.
No other suspected cases of mumps have been identified. Close contacts of this student have been identified and will be contacted by the health department to discuss any potential risk of infection and to discuss steps to remain healthy. Classroom contact is not considered a high-risk exposure. Faculty, staff and students who were in classes with the affected student are not considered to be at high risk.
Mumps is a viral illness whose main symptom is swelling of the salivary glands below the ears and above the jaw. Additional symptoms may include low grade fever, muscle aches, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite and headache. Students who experience these symptoms should seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible at the Student Health Service or other medical facility.
Additional information for students and their families can be found on the Student Health Service web site including frequently asked questions about mumps. This information will be updated if additional recommendations are received from the Forsyth County Health Department and the North Carolina Department of Public Health.
