An outbreak of mumps at Eastern Illinois University that has affected about a dozen students is under investigation.
University spokeswoman Vicki Shaw Woodard said that the current outbreak started around April 11. Sick students have been asked to isolate themselves for five days and return home if possible.
EIU is now working with state and local health officials to evaluate and manage the outbreak.
Mumps is a viral infection that causes swelling in the salivary glands and cheeks. It spreads through saliva or mucus when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can spread by sharing eating utensils or touching surfaces with unwashed hands.