Health Advisory: Mumps Response Plan in Place

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 28, 2017) -- UAlbany is currently dealing with eight confirmed cases of mumps in the student body. The affected students are being cared for and are isolated from the rest of the student body while they recover.

With a few confirmed cases of mumps on campus, UAlbany is working closely with the Albany County Department of Health to reduce the chances of the disease from spreading further.

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus that can pass from one person to another through saliva, nasal secretions or close personal contact. While some people infected have no signs or very mild ones, the most common symptoms are fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite, swollen or tender salivary glands under the ears or jaw on one or both sides of the face.

UAlbany is working closely with the Albany County Department of Health (ACDOH) to reduce the chances of the disease from spreading further. To receive the maximum protection, two doses of the mumps-containing vaccine or MMR (measles, mumps and rubella vaccine) are recommended. While the MMR vaccine helps prevent disease, it is not 100 percent effective. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the mumps component of the MMR vaccine is about 88 percent effective when a person gets two immunizations.

On Tuesday, April 25, UAlbany and the Albany County Department of Health held a clinic that provided free vaccinations for more than 100 students.

For anyone who missed the clinic, the University has been providing students with free MMR vaccinations at Student Health Services over the past week. Students who have not had two MMR vaccinations are encouraged to make an appointment at Student Health Services to receive the MMR vaccination.

In keeping with the New York State Department of Health’s guidelines, Albany County Department of Health Commissioner Elizabeth Whalen is directing UAlbany to exclude students taking six or more credits who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1957, and are unable to provide documentation of either 1.) a single dose of live mumps virus vaccine administered after the age of 12 months; 2.) physician-diagnosed mumps disease; or 3.) serological evidence of mumps antibodies (titers). These individuals are to be excluded until 26 days after the last confirmed case of mumps at the University or until they are able to provide documentation as noted above.

These students have until Friday, April 28, to either get the vaccine or provide documentation. Right now, the exclusion is through Saturday, May 21 but this could change if new cases are identified.

UAlbany students who haven’t received a vaccine or who want to get a second dose, should call today to make an appointment at Student Health Services to receive a free MMR vaccination.

Mumps Prevention Tips:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer 
• Cover your mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you sneeze or cough
• Do not share drinks, food, utensils, or any personal items that come in contact with saliva

Find a fact sheet from New York State Department of Health here. 

If you are a student and have symptoms consistent with mumps, contact Student Health Services at 518-442-5454 or contact your health care provider. In addition, please notify Student Health Services as soon as possible. If you are a member of our faculty staff and have symptoms consistent with mumps, you are encouraged to contact your health care provider.

If you have additional questions, please contact Student Health Services at 518-442-5454 or the Albany County Department of Health at 518-447-4640.

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