Health Advisory

Last updated, Friday, March 15, 2013 at 10:30 a.m.

The Student Health Center will be open Monday – Friday, 9 am - 1 pm during Spring Break, March 11 - 15, to evaluate any students who may have signs and symptoms of the mumps.  Please call 289-8064 to schedule an appointment.

The Henrico County Health Department has identified multiple laboratory-confirmed cases of mumps among University of Richmond students.

What is Mumps?

Mumps is a viral illness and will go away on its own in about a week. Mumps is spread in droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person, usually when a person coughs or sneezes. Mumps can also spread by direct contact with saliva and discharges from the nose and throat of an infected person.

What should I do if I am feeling ill?

Contact the Student Health Center (SHC) to arrange a visit. If you develop severe headache, high fever, swelling, nausea, vomiting, or pelvic pain call the SHC Dial-a Nurse at (804) 289-8700 or after hours, call Campus Police at 289-8715.

Mumps is an illness that can easily spread and pose a public health threat/concern. It is best practice for those who are ill to “isolate” themselves from others to avoid the spread of this illness. In certain situations, you may be asked to “isolate” yourself for approximately five days after the onset of your jaw swelling or other symptoms.

What does isolation mean to me?

Isolation is an effort to prevent the spread of Mumps. If you are ill and receive a medical recommendation for self-isolation, please contact the appropriate Richmond or Westhampton College Deans Office for further detailed guidance.

Can I go to the Dining Hall if I am ill?

If you are ill, you need to avoid dining areas, as well as other public areas, events, and parties during the first five days of your illness. For meal accommodations, please go to dining.richmond.edu and enter the HDC block, click on the Meal Request Form and follow the directions to have meals provided to you during your isolation and illness. (If you do not have anyone to pick-up, the University will arrange drop-off)

What can I do to keep others from getting ill?

If you are ill and have been asked to “isolate” yourself, please follow that recommendation. You should avoid public areas, events, parties and other activities for approximately five days after the onset of jaw swelling or other symptoms. You should also practice good respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze, properly disposing of tissues, washing your hands often, and not sharing glasses, cans, cups, etc.

What can I do to feel better?

• Rest as much as possible throughout the isolation period
• Drink plenty of fluids- water, Gatorade, tea- avoid acidic juices
• Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed on package
• Warm or cool packs may provide relief for any swollen jaws.  

What can I do to minimize my risk if I don’t feel ill?

• Practice good respiratory etiquette- If you cough or sneeze cover your mouth and nose
• Wash your hands often and well
• Do not share drinks out of same glass, cup, cans, or bottle
• Review your vaccination history
• Regularly clean surfaces that are frequently touched by people (tables, countertops, doorknobs, etc.) with soap and water or other disinfectants,

For more information:

For any additional medical questions, please contact the Student Health Center (SHC) or your own physician.

To read more about mumps. 

Faculty, Staff and Students may also reference the University communications sent via e-mail.

• Gmail
• Fac/Staff Email
• Bannerweb
• Blackboard
• HR
• Library
• IS