Sidney Crosby latest victim of NHL mumps outbreak

WATCH ABOVE: The “face” of the NHL, Sidney Crosby, is just one of many NHL stars to come down with a case of the Mumps

PITTSBURGH – Sidney Crosby has the mumps.

The Penguins confirmed the news Sunday morning after the captain sat out two games for precautionary reasons.

Crosby’s face appeared swollen after Pittsburgh’s morning skate Friday, leading to rampant speculation he had the virus that has been going around the NHL.

Swollen salivary glands are a noticeable symptom of the mumps.

READ MORE: Is the NHL going through a mumps outbreak?

“Crosby will continue to be monitored daily, but specialists believe he should be through the infectious period by Monday,” the Penguins said in a statement. “He will not play in Monday’s home game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.”

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Crosby is the 13th NHL player to get the mumps, joining Corey Perry, Francois Beauchemin, Clayton Stoner and Emerson Etem of the Anaheim Ducks, Ryan Suter, Keith Ballard, Marco Scandella, Jonas Brodin and Christian Folin of the Minnesota Wild, Tanner Glass of the New York Rangers and Travis Zajac and Adam Larsson of the New Jersey Devils.

WATCH: Maple Leafs coach says team prepared to deal with Mumps outbreak

The mumps virus is spread through saliva or mucus, usually from coughing, sneezing or talking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sharing drinks and utensils can also contribute to spreading the infection.

Many teams are taking every precaution to make sure it doesn’t spread to their players, including the Vancouver Canucks.

“Although no measure is 100% effective, so far we have seen no cases of the virus.”

The league and NHL Players’ Association recently told The Canadian Press that training staffs and players were being educated on how to stop the spread of the mumps.

READ MORE: Anti-vaccination movement means preventable diseases making a comeback

“It is certainly an outbreak that was unexpected and has caused unwanted disruption at the team level, but it is not something we have any significant control over,” deputy commissioner Bill Daly said recently.