By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – The mumps virus in McLean County continues to spread.

The McLean County Health Department says there are now 10 cases of mumps in the county, with three other probable cases. The department said last week it was tracking six cases of mumps. Communicable Disease Supervisor Melissa Graven said most of the cases are related to the Illinois State University campus.

“We’re really targeting all of our efforts and working with the Student Health Services there to keep and eye out, keeping active on mumps surveillance,” said Graven. “Asking that any of the students, or any faculty, on that campus go to Student Health Services if they start feeling ill.”

Graven explained the best way to avoid contracting the virus is to ensure you’ve received two doses of the mumps vaccine.

“If you start feeling ill, or know of a roommate or one of your friends that had the mumps and you start feeling similar symptoms, isolate yourself; try not to come in contact with anybody,” she said.

The health department said mumps is spread from through droplets of saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat of an infected person. This usually occurs when the person coughs, sneezes or talks.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].