Updated 10:05 a.m. on Feb. 24 with comment from Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Karen Murphy
Penn State’s University Health Services (UHS) announced Thursday that 19 “suspected, probable, or confirmed” mumps cases have been investigated since the first cases of mumps were confirmed on Jan. 29. Four of those 19 cases have been confirmed to be mumps by lab tests.
UHS has been in contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Pennsylvania Department of Health since the first confirmed case of mumps last month.
Students are advised not to share food or drinks and not to engage in “activities where drinks are shared or where the virus can be passed through saliva exposure,” according to the press release from UHS. Students planning to travel for spring break should be extra cautious, especially with “other warm-weather social events on the horizon.”
Symptoms of mumps include tender swollen glands below the ear or along the jawline, headache, fever, and cold-like symptoms, and those who contract the virus are infectious for two days before the swelling begins through five days after the start of the swelling.
Anyone who starts to experience mumps symptoms while traveling should avoid returning to campus for at least five days after the start of swelling.
Students who have not received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine should schedule an appointment with UHS as soon as possible. People identified as a contact of a suspected, probable, or confirmed case of mumps will be banned from campus for 26 days after potential exposure if they do not have proof of vaccination.
On Friday, Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy said the health department is working with Penn State to investigate the cases.
“In light of these confirmed mumps cases, and with spring break fast approaching, it is very important for PSU students to avoid sharing food and drinks with others and to monitor their overall health,” Murphy said in a statement. “Students who have been diagnosed with mumps or are experiencing symptoms of the virus should check with PSU Health Services before returning to the State College campus.
“All PSU students and visitors should also take steps to make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date, as that is the best way to prevent getting the mumps virus. The Wolf Administration is committed to protecting the health of Pennsylvanians, and reminds individuals of all ages of the importance of getting recommended vaccinations.”
