To the surprise of most of the campus, we have a supposed mumps outbreak. Starting on Sept. 17, the Health Center announced that they were receiving questions and concerns about a possible outbreak of mumps. Sick students were going to the Health Center with a range of symptoms, and the college sent out information regarding the issue.

However, at that point they did not have any confirmed cases of mumps.

That quickly changed. The Health Center responded to the conversation with the confirmation that they indeed have a confirmed case of the mumps on campus. 

According to the CDC, mumps is “a contagious disease that is caused by a virus. It typically starts with a few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Then most people will have swelling of their salivary glands. This is what causes the puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw.”

The disease is considered quite rare now because of the introduction of the MMR vaccine, which is typically given to babies. It is a required vaccine for children to start public school kindergarten classes, so it is surprising that there is a case on campus. 

However, caution should be taken by students now that this infectious disease is confirmed to have touched our college. According to the Health Center, students who are not vaccinated, have a compromised immune system or are pregnant are at the most risk for contracting the illness.

Mumps is spread by “droplets” or the spread of germs through saliva. These droplets can be spread through sharing drinks and utensils, kissing, and coughing. Symptoms that are linked to mumps include the following:

• swollen, painful salivary glands 
• fever
• headache 
• fatigue
• appetite loss

The Health Center advises that if you feel ill to avoid crowded areas and to stop in at their office to be checked. The Health Center also suggests that students who are at risk to wear protective masks, consider receiving an MMR vaccine, or quarantine themselves for 26 days.

As always, practice good hygiene techniques to protect against other illnesses like washing your hands regularly and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze. 

The college states that students have no need to worry about the confirmed case. Moravian is open and classes are in session. More information will continue to be sent out via email from the Health Center as this situation continues.

To contact the Health Center, call 610.861.1566, stop in for a walk-in appointment between 9:00 and 11:30 AM, or contact your primary care physician.