Purdue advises students to check status of immunizations
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — In the wake of a mumps outbreak in Iowa, a Purdue University health official is encouraging students to review their immunization status.Students attending Purdue, as well as students at residential campuses of Indiana-affiliated colleges and universities, are required to have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization, said James S. Westman, director of the Purdue Student Health Center.
"Because of our compliance with the state requirement and the 90 to 95 percent effectiveness rate of the vaccine, Purdue should have a good level of protection against mumps from a public health perspective," he said. "However, some students have not taken the vaccine due to religious or medical reasons, which may open the door to cases here."
More than 800 cases of mumps have been reported in Iowa, and at least 200 cases have occurred in other Midwestern states since December, making this the largest U.S. mumps epidemic since 1988, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A viral infection spread by coughing or sneezing, mumps typically only affects 200-300 people in the United States each year. Symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches and swelling of the glands close to the jaw.
"Getting the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from contracting mumps," Westman said. "If you're not sure you've been vaccinated, getting an additional dose of MMR vaccine is safe and has few if any side effects for most people.
"If any cases are reported on campus, Indiana state law requires students who have not received the MMR vaccine to be excluded from all campus activities, including classes."
Other actions people can take to protect themselves from the virus is to wash their hands well, don't share eating utensils and make sure frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, tables and phones, are regularly cleaned with soap and water or cleaning wipes, Westman said.
The MMR vaccine is available at the Student Health Center. The center's immunization clinic is open from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information about the mumps vaccination, call the center at (765) 494-1700.
Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu
Source: James S. Westman, (765) 494-1720, westman@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
Related Web site:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mumps information
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