(KAMR) — The Oklahoma Health Department has confirmed nine cases of mumps in the state.
Three of those cases are at the University of Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health confirming they are investigating nine cases of mumps. We’ve learned today that three of those cases are at the University of Oklahoma.”
Marjorie Rooney says, “I really didn’t believe it at first and then people in my sorority started talking about it and like I’m just kind of like surprised.”
A very contagious virus passed down from person to person.
Emily Salisbury says, “I heard about the mumps because people in my sorority were talking about it, that it was going around.”
OU officials are working with staff at the state health department while they investigate the cases.
University of Oklahoma President James Gallogly says, “I’ve just been informed that they notified the parents and they’ve talked to people in the dorm where it was discovered.
Epidemiologist say the vaccine is still the most effective form of prevention and they are asking students affected to check their medical records.
State law requires that all students who are in an Oklahoma public or private college or university provide documentation of two doses of the mumps vaccination.
State of Oklahoma Epidemiologist Laurence Burnsed says, “For school, daycare, or college entry, it’s advised to have two doses. A person may have an exemption though for certain personal medical or religious reasons.”
At this time state officials are asking students and staff to take extra precautions like not sharing drinks and washing your hands.
Shereen Hashem says, “It’s weird and scary because for some reason I’ve been hearing about it more frequently now more than ever.