Associated Press

The number of mumps cases has grown by two since the end of last week, for a total of 23 in the city of Columbus.

The new numbers include one more person sent to the hospital, for a total of three.

There is a growing concern that those numbers could increase in the coming days and weeks.

But doctors say if and when new cases pop up, they will be ready.

The university and city health department are putting out an awareness blitz to educate students and the general public about mumps.  Volunteers are putting up flyers with basic hygiene and infection control tips in dorms, frat and sorority houses and off-campus housing.

For some students walking to class on the first day back from spring break, mumps were not even on their minds.

“I’m really confused,” said Jamie Van Voorhis, a sophomore.  “I’m not sure what it is, if I should be worried or not.”

“I think it’s pretty ridiculous,” said Ben Schumann, another sophomore.  “There are vaccines for that, people should be taking those.”

But even a small percentage of people like Schumann who got their vaccines are still susceptible to the mumps virus.

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