Mumps Outbreak in Philadelphia Reaches 49 Cases

The number of mumps virus cases related to an outbreak at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has reached 49 cases, reported PhillyVoice.   

In a message to the student body on March 4, 2019, Temple officials told students to self-isolate, avoid travel, and limit contact with others if they begin to experience symptoms. 

On March 11, 2019, Temple University said it may require new students to be vaccinated against the mumps virus prior to enrolling for next school year. 

Additionally, Temple University is taking steps to update its immunization policy for pre-matriculation:

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

During 2019, as of February 28th, over 30 states and the District of Columbia have reported 151 mumps infections in people to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The mumps virus is very contagious, spreading from person to person through respiratory secretions, which makes college-lifestyles ideal settings to create an outbreak, says the CDC. 

On November 16, 2018, the CDC released new guidance on when the 3rd dose of mumps vaccine is appropriate. 

In the USA, most pharmacies offer mumps vaccination services. To schedule an appointment with a pharmacist visit this site.

The CDC Vaccine Price List provides private sector vaccine prices for general information. Vaccine discounts can be found here.

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects, says the CDC. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the FDA or CDC.