The DeKalb County Health Department has confirmed an NIU student has tested positive for mumps. 

Mumps is an acute infectious viral disease that can cause swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands in the cheeks and jaw, according to the Illinois Department of Health website. The disease can affect people of any age and vaccination status, according to the website. 

The virus spreads through coughing, sneezing, direct contact with saliva nose discharges from infected individuals.