Two weeks ago, team AMVS (health and safety, environment, and radiation protection) were notified of two and possibly six cases of mumps in the Gemini building. Mumps usually start with headaches, a fever, and not feeling well in general. Soon after, the salivary glands near the ears begin to swell up, making it difficult to swallow. The symptoms originate about 16 to 18 days after infection. In many cases, the infection is mild in nature and the symptoms are hardly noticeable. The most important complication for men is inflammation of the testicles, which, in extreme cases, can cause infertility.If you were born in 1983 or after and raised in the Netherlands, you’re likely to have been vaccinated twice against ‘BMR’ (mumps, measles and rubella). The vaccination cocktail didn’t exist prior to 1983, so many people born before that time have been vaccinated only once at the most. Vaccination procedures vary per country, and sometimes even per region. TU/e occupational hygienist Van der Heijden can’t say whether or not the sick students are foreign, because of medical confidentiality. “I do know that ever since 2009, cases of mumps at Dutch universities have increased. Students are more vulnerable to mumps due to close contact at associations and student houses.”The mumps virus lodges in the nose and throat of the infected person. Whenever that person coughs, sneezes, or shakes hands without having washed them, the virus can be spread. Everyone having mumps symptoms is advised to go see a doctor. Should you be diagnosed with mumps, you are kindly requested to avoid campus until a week after recovery. According to the local health authorities it’s unnecessary to cancel student parties.Some tips for mumps patients: Don’t attend big events if you’re having symptoms that could point to mumps. Wash your hands regularly and use paper handkerchiefs when coughing and sneezing. It might also be advisable to notify your student counselor by phone.All students and staff members who are not sure if they’ve ever been vaccinated or have only been vaccinated once are advised to do so now, either at the doctor’s office or at the local health authorities (GGD Brabant Zuidoost). Vaccination at GGD will cost you 21 euro. Should you be unable to retrieve your vaccination history, you can contact your regional RIVM office at (040) 232 91 11.If you’re worried, or have any questions regarding the subject, feel free to contact Floor van der Heijden at (040) 247 59 34.