A graduate student on the Foggy Bottom Campus has contracted the mumps, according to an announcement from the Colonial Health Center. The case was reported to the D.C Department of Health.

The University will give updates according to the Department of Health’s guidelines, the release stated.

“Students who think they may have symptoms are encouraged to call Colonial Health Center at 202-994-5300 (24/7) for assessment before visiting the center in person,” the release states. “Employees, please contact your healthcare provider if you think you have symptoms or to confirm that you are up to date on your vaccinations.”

Mumps is a contagious viral disease and can be spread to others by direct
contact with infected respiratory secretions such as saliva or discharge from the nose or throat of the infected individual, according to a statement released by the D.C. Department of Health. The virus causing mumps can also spread when the infected person coughs or sneezes without covering their nose and mouth and others breathe in that air.

Mumps’ symptoms include fever, and swollen glands, according a statement from the Department of Health.

The statement encourages individuals in the GW community to check with primary care doctors or consult medical records to ensure that they have received the MMR or measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. The vaccine is usually administered at when an individual is 12 months of age and a second dose administered at ages four to six, according to the statement.

The statement directs individuals to contact a health care provider immediately and mention a possible exposure to mumps.