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Temple University is stepping up to help the local community amid a mumps outbreak in the Philadelphia area. On Thursday, March 21, Temple announced that they will be offering free vaccinations for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
The vaccinations will be available for at walk-in clinics on campus after a recent outbreak produced 15 confirmed cases of mumps and 59 probable cases.
The clinics will be hosted by Temple and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH).
“The clinics—offered in conjunction with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH)—will be held in Mitten Hall’s Great Court Wednesday, March 27, and Friday, March 29, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Self-isolated 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,” a statement from the university read. “The university continues to recommend this measure for symptomatic students, faculty and staff.”
From the Philly Observer:
The symptoms for 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.
An infected person can experience headache, fever and cold-like symptoms. The infection is passed through saliva and respiratory secretions. The incubation period is 12 to 15 days. Symptoms often appear 16 to 18 days after exposure.
A petition was also recently started to call for the closing of Temple. However, university spokesman Ray Betzner said that the school will not be closed, according to the New York Post.
“No, we’re not closing,” Betzner told the paper. “It would not stop the spread of the disease, which is the important point.”
Additional information can be obtained by contacting StudentHealth@temple.edu or EmployeeHealth@temple.edu.
