Eight cases of mumps have been confirmed at the Stevens Institute of Technology, according to a press release from the city issued Thursday evening.
The students affected have been vaccinated, the statement said. The cases were suspected for the first time last week and have since been confirmed by health officials.
There have not been any subsequent confirmed diagnoses.
“The city’s Health Department has been working closely with Stevens since the beginning and we are thankful for their responsiveness and proactive efforts,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “Every precaution has been taken to ensure the safety of the public. The best way to prevent mumps is vaccination. Members of our community should follow the recommendations from health officials and contact their doctor if they believe they may have symptoms. We will keep the community informed of any new developments.”
According to a separate statement released by the university, the cases were found in students ranging in age from 18 to 21. Each was given two doses of the mumps vaccine. The statement noted that mumps outbreaks have occurred in other vaccinated college communities, including at Ohio State University and Fordham University.
All Stevens’ students are required to have several vaccinations before arriving on campus, including the mumps vaccine.
“Stevens is encouraging students and staff, or anyone who may have recently visited the campus or had close contact with a Stevens Institute of Technology student/staff member to visit their healthcare provider if they are exhibiting the following symptoms: swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears or jaw on one or both sides of the face, fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite,” said the statement.
For more information about mumps, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/mumps. – Dean DeChiaro