PSU confirms 3 mumps cases

UNIVERSITY PARK —Three cases of mumps have been confirmed at Penn State’s University Park campus, University Health Services (UHS) reported Nov.21.

This is the second time this year that a mumps outbreak has been reported on campus.

In April, at least four students had confirmed cases of the mumps, while larger outbreaks were also reported in spring 2017 and 2018 as well.

Mumps is an infectious disease spread through saliva and respiratory secretions. People with mumps are considered infectious from two days before swelling through five days after the swelling starts.

Students who experience mumps-like symptoms, which include tender swollen glands below the ear or along the jawline, headache, fever, and cold-like symptoms, are encouraged to schedule an appointment with UHS or call the Advice Nurse at

(814) 863-4463.

UHS also advises that students should avoid sharing food and drinks. Frequent hand-washing and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing and sneezing are also encouraged.

Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine typically provides adequate immunity. However, it does not guarantee protection and most recent cases nationally have been in students who receive the recommended two doses, which are required for all students at Penn State.