Corpus Christi has issued an email warning students of a mumps outbreak amongst the student population.
In an email addressed to “all students and tutors”, Corpus Christi’s Welfare Dean and College Nurse wrote that: “A number of students have been diagnosed with mumps so we thought it important to send out a message advising students what they need to look out for and what to do if they think they have mumps and advising tutors that mumps is circulating amongst the student body.”
The email quotes the diagnosis of mumps from the NHS website as follows: “Mumps is a contagious viral infection. It is most recognisable by the painful swellings at the side of the face under the ears (the parotid glands), giving a person with mumps a distinctive “hamster face” appearance.
“Other symptoms of mumps include headaches, joint pain and a high temperature, which may develop a few days before the swelling of the parotid glands.”
The email further advises students to “See the College Doctor (but inform the receptionist that you think you have mumps so they are aware prior to your arrival at the surgery) or contact the College Nurse.
“Rest, drink adequate fluids, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen for symptomatic relief.
“Apply warm or cold packs to the parotid gland as it may ease discomfort.
“Do not attend tutorials, lectures or interact with other students for 5 days after the initial development of parotitis (inflammation of a parotid gland). If you are able to go home it would be advisable to do so.”
It also notes that “Mumps is usually a self-limiting condition. It will usually resolve over 1–2 weeks, with no long-term consequences and antibiotic treatment is not required.”
Oxford was previously affected by a mumps outbreak at University College in October 2018.
Corpus Christi College has been contacted for comment.
If you are worried that you might have contracted mumps contact your GP for advice.
