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Winthrop University confirms mumps case; warns students, staff of possible exposure

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Winthrop University in Rock Hill said it has identified a case of the mumps on campus.

Officials said possible exposure to the illness would have occurred between Feb. 2 and Feb. 6.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environment Control and the university notified all students, faculty and staff with a letter Monday.

Students are on high alert.

“You see stuff like this all the time, but I never expected it to happen here,” junior A.G. Wilson said.

The letter read in part, “Mumps is a contagious viral infection that may result in swelling in one or both parotid salivary glands in the cheek and jaw area below the ear.”

"I know I had to get vaccinated for school, but I didn’t know if I had to get one specifically for the mumps,” sophomore Justin Hermon said.

Other symptoms include fever, headache, loss of appetite or body aches. They can appear from 12 to 25 days after infection.

“Just keep my hands sanitized and just keep away from people as much as possible, to be honest,” junior Kim McBride said

Officials said anyone who sees parotid swelling should contact their health care provider or the student health center at 803-323-2206.

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