With widespread flu activity and several recently confirmed cases of mumps on the University Park campus, Penn State is urging anyone who has symptoms of either not to attend THON-related activities this weekend.
Young children and those with compromised immune systems are among the most likely to experience severe symptoms and complications, so the viruses present a particular concern for the Four Diamonds pediatric cancer patients who will be in attendance at the crowded Bryce Jordan Center for the 46-hour dance marathon.
“Students who have been diagnosed or exposed to mumps should not attend THON. Also, students with the flu or flu-like symptoms should avoid THON to protect spread of the flu to other students and to the THON kids and families, who are the most vulnerable to complications from the flu,” said Robin Oliver-Veronesi, director of University Health Services, in a release.
Four cases of mumps among students at University Park were reported earlier this week. Each student has since recovered. Symptoms can include tender, swollen glands, headache, fever and cold-like symptoms. Anyone, whether or not they have symptoms, who has come into close contact with someone confirmed or suspected of having mumps, is also asked not to attend THON
Flu strains, meanwhile, have been particularly severe and widespread nationally this season. In Pennsylvania, 61,587 confirmed cases of flu have been reported since October, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s most recent statistics. In Centre County, there have been 1,264 confirmed cases.
‘We are most concerned about the flu — there are far more cases of influenza on campus than mumps, and this year’s flu strains are especially virulent,” said Shelley Haffner, infectious disease manager for University Health Services. “There has been widespread flu activity nationwide this flu season, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In keeping with this trend, we have seen more than 300 lab-confirmed cases of the flu with many more untested cases likely.”
Flu symptoms may include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea.
To take precautions against flu and mumps, University Health Services advises staying away from people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper sleeve (not your hand), washing hands frequently with soap and water or sanitizer, and avoiding sharing food and drinks.
