Nathaniel Puente 
Edinburg- UTRGV sent out an email to students and staff that a case of mumps was present on the Edinburg campus. The initial aftermath saw panic among students.
To inform students on the subject, the university’s health department and the UTRGV School of Medicine spoke to UTRGV Student Media about the dangers of mumps and importance of vaccines.
“Most people are vaccinated,” said Dr. Cristel Escalona. “Your immunity can wane over time. If you came in contact with the infected student we are going to recommend you get a booster to boost up your immunity,” she comments.
Rick Gray, who spoke at the conference, confirmed the virus’s origin in Mission. He urges students to check vaccination records and practice good hygiene.
“The best way to get this illness is to shake hands and [rub your eye],” Gray mentioned. “Wash your hands and use hand sanitizers,” he clarified.
Nine cases of mumps have since been reported in Hidalgo County. More are expected during this outbreak. According to cdc.gov, the mumps virus is seeing a sharp increase in recent years. Universities are prime targets for the disease.
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