In a follow-up report on the mumps situation on the campus of Harvard University, Director of Harvard University Health Services, Dr. Paul J. Barreira reported Wednesday that they have confirmed four additional cases of mumps in the Harvard community, for a total of six cases.

Image/CDC
Image/CDC

These students have already been in isolation, and Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) continues to work closely with the Cambridge Public Health Department and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to investigate the scope of the exposure.

Individuals who have previously had mumps are considered immune to the virus. However, those who have been vaccinated for mumps—though much less likely to contract the virus—can still be infected. If you are unsure whether or not you have been vaccinated, you should contact your health care provider.

If you, or your child, are not fully vaccinated—meaning you have only had one dose of the vaccine—we recommend that you contact your health care provider, or your child’s pediatrician, to become fully immunized. If you have already been fully immunized, there is no data to support that a third “booster” shot will provide any additional immunity.

A reminder that prevention is centered on good hygiene:
•    Always cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
•    Wash your hands frequently
•    Dispose of used tissues and other similar objects appropriately
•    Do not share glasses, eating utensils, water bottles, etc.

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