WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WVEC) -- A single case of mumps has prompted the cancellation of the College of William and Mary women's lacrosse team's final game of the season.
The game that was scheduled for Saturday, April 28 against Elon University has been canceled after school officials confirmed there was a case affecting the team.
The game was canceled in order to potentially avoid exposing additional student-athletes to the virus and has been declared 'no contest', per NCAA rules.
The outcome of this game would have affected the final seeding for the CAA Championship, so the conference won't declare a forfeit.
The Athletics Department is working with university and local health officials regarding best practices for treatment and limiting exposure.
The William and Mary Student Health Center released the following statement:
Due to the close environments of campus settings, the health department has determined it is possible some students may have been exposed to mumps. We are encouraging you, therefore, to review your immunization status and contact your doctor to receive vaccine as needed.
Mumps is an acute viral disease that can be spread through direct contact with respiratory droplets by coughing and sneezing or through saliva from an infected person.
Xu, a student on campus, said he felt bad for the women’s lacrosse team.
"I have a lot friends on the lacrosse team, it’s a great joy to watch them go out and play, and the fact that they are getting the game canceled because of all things the mumps is just heartbreaking," said Xu.
You can find more information on the mumps here.
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