Temple University is offering walk-in clinics as the number of mumps cases continues to rise. Currently, there are 106 cases, 18 confirmed, while the rest are probable.
These new figures show how fast the outbreak has been spreading. Health officials said that there are getting five additional reports a day.
The university has been encouraging students, staff, and faculty to get the MMR vaccine at Temple University’s Mitten Hall.
Ray Betzner, the spokesperson of the Temple University, said, “They were waiting at 8:30 this morning to come inside and we didn’t start until 9 so that is a great sign.”
Temple University officials say they have administered 2,285 doses of the vaccine on Wednesday. And the next walk-in vaccine clinic is set for Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Mumps can spread through close contacts, such as sharing of utensils and kissing.
It is also important to note that most of those who had mumps were vaccinated. Medical experts say MMR vaccine often gets weak as people enter their teens or early 20s; however, the best defense against the spread is the vaccine again. That is why the university is hoping another booster dose will help reduce the growing number.
Students said that the decision to get a vaccine or a booster dose of the MMR vaccine was simple, as they do not want mumps.
Jared Krieger, one of the students said, “If I know they have the mumps I’m not talking to them.” Autumn Sanders, a sophomore, said, “It is like the least expected thing, an outbreak of the mumps.”
Sydney Cox said, “I’m a health care provider and I have a 4-year-old! can’t take any risks giving kids mumps.” She has been wearing a mask because she is very concerned about catching mumps. Mark Denys, the Student Health Director at Temple University, said, “We’re really trying to encourage folks to come. It is the best way to protect themselves even if they have not been exposed or if they have been exposed, it is the best way to protect themselves even if they get a case of the mumps after being vaccinated again. It’s likely that the case will be less severe, and less risk of complications…”
