Manchester College has issued a Mumps Alert. At least one case of Mumps has been diagnosed at Indiana University, Bloomington. In light of the epidemic in Iowa and additional cases in six other states, Manchester College is greatly concerned about the health of our students. Health officials suspect the IU case is connected to the Illinois and Iowa outbreaks.
Fortunately, the vaccine has been available in the United States since 1967, and that vaccine has largely eliminated frequent outbreaks of Mumps in this country. Mumps is a viral disease. It usually affects the body with fever, headache and tiredness – symptoms we get with most common viruses. However, Mumps has a tendency to cause inflammation in the saliva glands, resulting in big, puffed cheeks.
Careful personal hygiene is an especially important defense in limiting the spread of Mumps – proper hand washing, disposing of used tissues, not sharing eating utensils and drinks, etc.
Fortunately, Mumps usually is not a serious disease. People tend to be ill for only a week or so. But, in some cases, the complications are serious. For more detailed information see: www.cdc.gov/nip/diseases/mumps/mumps-FAQS.htm
There is no complete protection from this virus, but the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American College Health Association (ACHA) have recommendations for Manchester College students and others on college campuses who may be at greater risk for exposure:
Students, health care workers and campus employees need two doses of MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine or provide evidence of Mumps immunity (physician diagnosis or laboratory evidence) See: www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00053391.htm
The MMR is about 80 percent effective against Mumps after one dose and increases to 90 percent after the second dose. See: www.phppo.cdc.gov/HAN/ArchiveSys/ViewMsgV.asp?AlertNum=00243. Because the MMR vaccine is not 100 percent effective, some cases may occur in people who have been vaccinated.
All MC students are asked to demonstrate proof of two MMR immunizations or two Measles immunizations prior to enrollment. However, students who have not provided the College with proof of two MMR immunizations will be notified by the College by personal mail in the next few days.
Individuals with direct student contact are at risk. Those born before 1957 are considered immune to mumps because exposure to the disease was common when they were young.Those born during or after 1957 are urged to check their health records to determine if they have had two MMR immunizations or have had Mumps (physician or laboratorial confirmed).
It is strongly recommended that those who have not been immunized with two doses of MMR and have not had Mumps should get immunized. For the full text of the recommendation: http://www.acha.org/mumps_outbreak_statement_04-06.cfm
Manchester College can quickly get the vaccines if necessary, but students and employees are urged to go to their personal physician first.
If you any questions, please contact your personal physician or Manchester College Health Services at 260-982-5306 or HealthService@manchester.edu
Additional information can be found at the following websites:
Sincerely,
Tara L. Vogel, R.N.
Director of Health Services
Dr. Pamela Higgins
Medical Director |
