TUHS have issued yet another update on the Mumps outbreak.
The statement outlines further steps that the university will be taking to curtail the outbreak of the virus.
TUHS has also announced that it will be offering vaccinations to all students who would like to receive them, as well as continuing to work for the CDC to update and educate the campus community.
West Chester university has also confirmed that there has been at least one confirmed case of the virus in an off campus house following a student’s visit to Temple University.
In a statement to their students, West Chester has reported that they are now working with local health officials and the occupants of the house to prevent a further outbreak on their campus.
Temple’s Updated statement can be found below. Stick with Temple Update for any new information as it emerges.
| To the Temple University community:
I would like to provide the latest health information. At present, Temple University has 15 confirmed cases of mumps and 59 probable cases. Twice next week, Temple Student and Employee Health Services (SHS) will offer walk-in clinics at which the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine will be available at no charge. No appointments are necessary. Upon presentation of a current OWLcard, all Temple students, faculty and staff are eligible for the MMR vaccine. |
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| The clinics—offered in conjunction with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH)—will be held in Mitten Hall’s Great Court Wednesday, March 27, and Friday, March 29, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | |
| Self-isolation after the onset of symptoms remains one of the most critical steps a symptomatic individual can take toward recovery and limiting the spread of mumps. The university continues to recommend this measure for symptomatic students, faculty and staff. | |
| It is important for community members to be aware of the symptoms and take steps to keep you and others healthy. | |
| WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Mumps is a highly infectious disease passed through saliva and respiratory secretions. While the incubation period is 12 to 25 days, symptoms often appear 16 to 18 days after exposure.The symptoms for the mumps are similar to influenza (the flu) and often include tender swollen glands below the ear and along the jawline on one or both sides of the face and neck, headache, fever and cold-like symptoms. People with mumps are considered infectious from two days before swelling begins through five days after the start of swelling.If you are experiencing symptoms or have questions, please contact Employeehealth@temple.edu.WHAT YOU CAN DO Management for mumps is similar to that of chicken pox. There is no treatment, only relief of symptoms. Take Motrin or Tylenol for fever and swelling, drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. One of the most important steps you can take if you experience symptoms is to self-isolate, avoid travel and limit contact with others for five days from the onset of symptoms. For healthy people, there is very little risk of serious complications from the mumps.If you have had close contact with someone symptomatic with the mumps and have never received the MMR vaccine, the recommendation is to receive the full two-dose MMR series.If you have had close contact with someone symptomatic with the mumps and have previously received the MMR vaccine, the recommendation is to receive a third booster dose of the vaccine. The third booster dose is not recommended unless you have had close contact with a symptomatic person.If you are immunocompromised or pregnant, please contact your doctor immediately.For more information, employees (215-204-2679) are encouraged to call Temple Student and Employee Health Services. |
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The following precautions against mumps and flu are advised.
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| ADDITIONAL RESOURCES For additional information, please review the following resources.
As mentioned, we have been in regular contact with PDPH and will share additional updates as necessary. The university continues to update and educate the campus community; treat anyone who presents symptoms; and identify individuals who have been in close contact with symptomatic individuals and recommend they receive the MMR vaccine. |
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Additionally, the university is taking steps to update its immunization policy for prematriculation to require the following:
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| If you have questions or are experiencing symptoms, you are encouraged to contact Temple University Employee Health Services at Employeehealth@temple.edu.
Mark Denys, MHA, BS, RN |
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Update 3/27/19: Temple Offering MMR Vaccines to Students
Temple today began its first round of vaccinations released to students.
In an announcement from TUHS, the University stated free vaccines would be given out to all students in the Great Court at Mitten Hall today, Wednesday the 27th and Friday the 29th.
As of today almost 100 students have been confirmed or suspected of being infected.
Update:
Following last week’s free MMR vaccine distribution, thousands of students lined up on both days to get vaccinated.
According to figures by Student Health Services, roughly nearly 5,000 attended the vaccinations, around 4,000 students and close to 800 staff.
With high attendance, however, both clinics ran out of materials toward the end of the day.
Those who missed their chance to get the vaccine can, however, can visit Student Health Services for a booster all this week.
Update 4/7/19:
Temple Health Services have released updated numbers on the current infection and outbreak. The numbers are as follows.
“At present, there are 18 confirmed and 107 probable mumps cases associated with the outbreak.
Self-isolation after the onset of symptoms remains one of the most critical steps a symptomatic individual can take toward recovery and limiting the spread of mumps. The university continues to recommend this measure for symptomatic students, faculty and staff.
It is important for community members to be aware of the symptoms and take steps to keep you and others healthy.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Mumps is a highly infectious disease passed through saliva and respiratory secretions. While the incubation period is 12 to 25 days, symptoms often appear 16 to 18 days after exposure.
The symptoms for the mumps are similar to influenza (the flu) and often include tender swollen glands below the ear and along the jawline on one or both sides of the face and neck, headache, fever and cold-like symptoms. People with mumps are considered infectious from two days before swelling begins through five days after the start of swelling.
If you are experiencing symptoms or have questions, please contact StudentHealth@temple.edu.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Overall management for mumps is similar to that of chicken pox. There is no treatment, only relief of symptoms. Take Motrin or Tylenol for fever and swelling, drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. One of the most important steps you can take if you experience symptoms is to self-isolate, avoid travel and limit contact with others for five days from the onset of symptoms. For healthy people, there is very little risk of serious complications from the mumps.
If you have had close contact with someone symptomatic for the mumps, and have never received the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, the recommendation is to receive the full two-dose MMR series.
If you have had close contact with someone symptomatic for the mumps, and have previously received the MMR vaccine, the recommendation is to receive a third booster dose of the vaccine. The third booster dose is not recommended unless you have had close contact with a symptomatic person.
If you are immunocompromised or pregnant, please contact your doctor immediately.
For those who wish to receive the MMR vaccine, it is available at Temple University Student Health Services. Primary care physicians and urgent care clinics also typically stock the vaccine.
The following precautions against mumps and flu are advised:
- Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; use your upper sleeve to cover your cough, not your hand.
- Wash hands frequently and efficiently. When unable to wash with soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid sharing food and drinks or participating in other activities that may result in saliva exposure.
- Stay home from school or work when you are sick to rest and limit the spread of illness to others.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For additional information, please review the following resources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mumps: Questions and Answers
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mumps Information
We have been in contact with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and will share additional updates as necessary.
If you have questions or are experiencing symptoms, you are encouraged to contact Temple University Student Health Services at StudentHealth@temple.edu.
Mark Denys, MHA, BS, RN
Director
Student and Employee Health Services”
Penn State also confirmed today that at least two students are confirmed to have been infected with the virus. Penn State faculty and administrators are taking actions to quarantine those infected.
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