University of Iowa students streamed through the Memorial Union Tuesday to receive another round of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.
State Medical Director Patricia Quinlisk says an outbreak of mumps has affected the Iowa City campus since August and it’s important to keep it from spreading any further.
“We are concerned, as we go into the holiday season, that we don’t want any of these students to take it home with them to their parents, siblings and friends when they go home for the holidays,” Quinlisk said.
The mumps outbreak on the UI campus has affected more than 100 people. Quinlisk says while most people under age 25 recover after a few days, the virus can have life changing consequences for some.
“Typically, one of the glands (the virus) can hit is the testicles. If it does that, we can end up with students who have such pain they have to be hospitalized and also can end up leaving those students sterile,” Quinlisk said. The virus can also impact nerves in the brain and lead to hearing loss.
The MMR shots are being provided to students free of charge. Other MMR clinics are scheduled around the campus through next Tuesday.
Thanks to Pat Blank, Iowa Public Radio
