As of last week, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley sent out an email stating there was a confirmed case of mumps on the Edinburg Campus. On March 28th, the student showed up to the Student Health Services Clinic with symptoms and was later confirmed for the mumps. On April 1st, a second student showed symptoms, but there has been no confirmation. Director of Health Services Rick Gray tells us the outbreak did not begin at UTRGV.
[su_quote]“An outstate in mission that’s popular with college students, and they tracked almost the entire outbreak back to them.”
-Rick Gray, director of health services[/su_quote]
Eddie Olivarez Chief Administrative Officer for the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services tells UTRGV Radio, a total of 250 cases of mumps are known statewide, and mumps are not common in the Hidalgo County. The mumps is a vaccine-preventable disease that can be transmitted by kissing, touching, and any sort of physical situation that can involve saliva. Symptoms can last anywhere from 10 to 14 days. Those unvaccinated are susceptible to the illness.
[su_quote]“This is very much a preventable illness with a vaccine.”
-Eddie Olivarez, chief administrative officer[/su_quote]
Since this happened on campus, biology junior, David Rodriguez explains what he thinks the university should do to prevent it from spreading.
[su_quote]“UTRGV should offer vaccinations and free checkups for anyone who suspects they may have it.”
David Rodriguez, biology major[/su_quote]
Olivarez urges those who feel they are showing any signs of the mumps should go to their doctor and get tested.
[su_quote]“Ask your doctor to do a mumps test, and they can do that. It won’t take long.”
-Eddie Olivarez, chief administrative officer[/su_quote]
The Hidalgo County Health and Human Services are still investigating where root source came from and encourages those who have not gotten vaccinated to do so at their family clinic.
