BERKELEY -- Mumps - an illness typically associated with little kids - is roaring through UC Berkeley, with seven confirmed cases and 13 more suspected.

By contrast, the city of Berkeley has seen just six cases since 1990.

"This is obviously big in comparison," said Mary Kay Clunies-Ross, a spokeswoman for the city.

Mumps is a contagious virus spread by saliva or mucus, with symptoms taking two or three weeks to show up. These include fever, headache, loss of appetite - and the telltale swollen glands under the ears, jaw, cheeks or even under the tongue.

The Tang Health Center on campus is trying to contain the spread and urges all students to check their vaccination records to make sure they've received two doses of the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella.

But even if students and employees are up to date on their shots, "we strongly encourage all UC students, faculty, and staff, regardless of vaccination status, to receive an additional dose" unless pregnant, according to a notice sent by the university's health center.

The Tang Center offered free MMR vaccines to UC students and employees on Thursday and will resume the program next Friday.

Needless to say, if anyone is experiencing symptoms, they should stay home, the center advises. Students can call the Tang Health Center for advice at (510) 643-7197.

State public health officials say they don't know what led to the current outbreak but are investigating.