To the Temple University community:

With the conclusion of the academic semester quickly approaching, Temple University is preparing to welcome large numbers of people to campus for various Commencement ceremonies and large social gatherings. While the number of active mumps cases is low, new cases are still being reported. Therefore, it remains vitally important to be aware of the symptoms and take steps to keep yourself and others healthy. 

For these reasons, we continue to advise taking the following necessary precautions against mumps. 

• Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; use your upper sleeve to cover your cough, not your hands. 
• Wash hands frequently and efficiently, and, when unable to wash with soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid sharing food and drinks, utensils, plates and bowls, or participating in other activities that may result in saliva exposure. Pick up food with utensils, not with your hands. 
• Stay home when you are sick to rest and limit the spread of illness to others, and refrain from socializing while ill. 

I encourage you to review recent university-wide messaging about mumps and a regularly updated FAQ, which continue to serve as valuable resources.

If you have questions or are experiencing symptoms, you are encouraged to contact Temple Student and Employee Health Services at either StudentHealth@temple.edu or EmployeeHealth@temple.edu.

Mark Denys, MHA, BS, RN 
Director 
Student and Employee Health Services