The University of Otago, while wrestling with the implications for students and staff of Covid-19, is now also dealing with a spate of cases of mumps.
The highly-infectious viral disease results in sufferers feeling unwell with fever, cold-like symptoms, and swollen and painful salivary glands.
Late yesterday the university’s Student Health service announced it was dealing with seven confirmed cases of mumps.
In late February the university was on mumps-alert after two cases were detected.
The disease can be prevented through the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination.
"Public Health are currently providing drop-in MMR clinics within the university colleges," a Student Health statement said.
"It spreads very easily, so if you think you have it please stay at home."