Temple-related mumps cases increase to 74

The university first announced the outbreak last month. There are 15 confirmed cases and 59 probable cases.

Student and Employee Health Services is combating an outbreak of the mumps that was first announced on Feb. 28. | LUKE SMITH / FILE PHOTO

There were 74 Temple University-related mumps cases as of Wednesday.

Among those, 15 were confirmed and 59 were probable. There are 71 cases involving Philadelphia residents and 3 involving residents of surrounding counties, wrote Jim Garrow, the communications director of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, in an email Wednesday.

The university first announced the outbreak on Feb. 28. It since has administered 173 doses of the mumps measles and rubella vaccine since Feb. 25.

University officials could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.

Mumps is a highly contagious viral disease that can be transmitted via the nose, mouth and throat. Symptoms include swelling of the face and jaw, fever and body pains. The incubation period is 12 to 25 days, and symptoms typically appear 16 to 18 days after exposure.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE
SYMPTOMS
According to a university release, there’s no treatment for mumps. But you can relieve symptoms with tactics including:
Taking medication like Tylenol or
Motrin
Rest
Drinking fluids
PEOPLE AT GREATEST RISK OF
INFECTION AND TRANSMISSION
People who are pregnant
People with illnesses that weaken their immune systems, like AIDS or any form of cancer
Health care personnel
International travelers
People who did not receive two doses of the MMR vaccine as a child
WHERE YOU CAN GET A THIRD SHOT
Student Health Services
Pharmacies like Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid
Most primary care physicians and urgent care clinics have the vaccine in stock, according to a university release sent on March 4.

Someone with mumps is considered contagious two days before their face swells, through five days after, according to a university release. It’s recommended that people with mumps isolate themselves so they’re less likely to infect other people.

Students experiencing symptoms should contact Student and Employee Health Services.  

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*