Brandeis students received a cautionary email regarding several cases of mumps reported in the Boston area. There have been 12 cases reported in Massachusetts this year, according to a Boston Globe article, including nine at Harvard University, two at the University of Massachusetts, Boston and one nearby in Waltham at Bentley University.

There have been no cases reported at Brandeis, said Michael LaFarr, executive director of health and wellness in an email to the Brandeis community.

“All students entering Brandeis are required to show proof of two MMR (Measles, MUMPS, Rubella) vaccines or blood immunity to the diseases upon entry to the university,” said LaFarr in his email. However, it is possible to contract the disease even if one has been vaccinated.

Anyone who contracts mumps must remain separated from others, as the disease in contagious, according to LaFarr. The student at Bentley has recovered from the disease, according to The Globe, with no additional cases reported since this case in February.

Mumps causes inflammation of salivary glands and, as a result, swelling in the cheeks and jaw.
“Fever, headache, stiff neck and loss of appetite” are additional symptoms, said LaFarr.