ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY) -- Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools confirmed a student was diagnosed with a case of mumps. An email was sent to parents on Sunday. "We have been informed that one student at River Road Middle School has been diagnosed with mumps," a spokesperson for the district said. "We are working closely with public health officials to monitor the situation and take appropriate measures." Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Due to the access to the MMR vaccine, that targets measles, mumps and rubella, cases of mumps is relatively rare. It can take 2 to 4 weeks for them to show signs of infection, according to the CDC. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, etc. This can be following by swelling in the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands located in front of and below the ears. This swelling, known as parotitis, can cause puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. In rare cases, mumps can lead to more severe complications, such as: Orchitis (swollen or tender testicles) Oophoritis (tender ovaries) Mumps can spread through close contact, sharing utensils or drinking containers, coughs and sneezes.