In a follow-up to a report on the mumps outbreak at State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz in Ulster County, New York, school health officials have reported an additional two mumps cases, bringing the total to 11.
Student Health Services say most of the cases are in members of the swim team.
Per campus protocol, the affected students, who have been immunized against mumps, have been isolated for the recommended period of time. Student athletes and resident students, in particular, have been educated about how to reduce exposure to mumps. Immunizations work but are not 100% effective.
A small number of students who have not been immunized have been sent home until Nov. 29, per Ulster County Health Department and the New York State Health Department guidelines. Student Affairs has been and will continue to notify faculty whose students are impacted by this exclusion from campus.
Mumps is caused by a respiratory virus, whose symptoms include painful swelling of the salivary glands near the ears and under the jaw, which can occur on one or both sides of the face. This swelling may be associated with other non-specific symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and decreased appetite.
The transmission of mumps is through close contact, sharing of utensils, drinking glasses, and saliva contact (kissing). Washing hands is recommended per the Centers for Disease Control. Out of an abundance of caution, the campus has enhanced its cleaning efforts in affected areas including the Athletic and Wellness Center, Lenape, Gage and Bouton residence halls.
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