Penn State Confirms 3 Mumps Cases at University Park

Three cases of mumps have been confirmed at Penn State’s University Park campus, University Health Services (UHS) reported Thursday morning.

The affected students have been isolated, while the UHS staff is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to determine who has been in close contact with the three students.

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.

More information about mumps, its symptoms, and vaccinations against the disease can be found here.