To the Temple University community:
 
I would like to update you on the latest health information. As of Wednesday, 106 cases of mumps have been diagnosed among Temple students and people outside of the university over the last month.
 
I especially want to remind everyone at Temple that we will have the second walk-in vaccine clinic today (Friday, March 29) from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. in Mitten Hall’s Great Court. Temple Student and Employee Health Services will offer the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine at no charge to Temple students, faculty and staff upon presentation of a current OWLcard. No appointments are necessary.
 
NOTE: You are encouraged to arrive no later than 3:30 p.m., when we will be closing the line to newcomers. Also, please wear attire that allows for easy access to the upper arm, where the vaccine is administered.
 
Wednesday’s clinic was a tremendous success, with 2,285 vaccines administered. The staff of Temple University’s Student and Employee Health Services, and volunteers from a host of divisions, departments, schools and colleges deserve our thanks for their dedication and tireless effort. We are also very grateful for the ongoing work and counsel from Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health (PDPH), whose partnership has been invaluable.

If you are unable to attend today’s clinic, the vaccine is available through Temple Student and Employee Health Services. The university encourages students, faculty and staff also to consider other local resources through which the vaccine is available, like urgent-care clinics and primary care physicians.
 
It is important to note Temple University continues to take all appropriate measures to ensure the health and wellness of our students, faculty and staff. 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. The university has a regularly updated FAQ as an additional resource.
 
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 of 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 or 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. 
 
If you are immunocompromised or pregnant, please contact your doctor immediately.

For more information, students (215-204-7500) and employees (215-204-2679) are encouraged to call Temple Student and Employee Health Services.
 
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

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.
 
Additionally, the university has taken steps toward updating its immunization policy for prematriculation to require the following:

• two doses—Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine;
• two doses—Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine; and
• one dose within 10 years—Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine.

If you have questions or are experiencing symptoms, you are encouraged to contact Temple University Student and Employee Health Services at StudentHealth@temple.edu or EmployeeHealth@temple.edu.
 
Mark Denys, MHA, BS, RN
Director Student and Employee Health Services