By Andy Dahn

BLOOMINGTON – A recent outbreak of the mumps virus on the campus of Illinois State University has prompted the McLean County Health Department to alert university officials and students.

There have been six reported cases of the virus in McLean County and at least three on ISU’s campus. Public Health Communications Specialist Lisa Slater said whenever three cases of the virus are reported, it’s considered an outbreak. She adds that while hearing the word outbreak may be alarming to some, it means the health department can offer more assistance to the public.

“When we have outbreaks, we’re often able to offer the mumps vaccine for free to people that are in the outbreak area,” Slater said. “It’s just kind of a term that is used that means more on for the health department than it does for the public.”

Slater said preventing the spread of the virus can be done by practicing simple and healthy behaviors.

“You really can just follow the preventivive precautions,” said Slater. “That’s about the best you can do. Those can be very effective.”

Some of those healthy behaviors include avoiding sharing food and drinks and washing your hands regularly to help prevent the spread of the virus. Slater said any students or residents who begin to experience symptoms of mumps should visit a doctor or other health care provider for treatment and to receive the mumps vaccine.

For more information on the virus and how to get vaccinated, you can contact the McLean County Health Department at (309)-888-5435.

Andy Dahn can be reached at [email protected].