We have two cases of mumps on campus, one of them laboratory-confirmed.
Both individuals are foreign-born students who have met U.S. immunization requirements but whose mumps immunity could be ineffectively low due to vaccine type or brand. We are in direct and continuous communication with our local and state health departments in investigating and responding to this situation; a crucial part of that response is, obviously, identifying individuals who might be susceptible to infection.
All faculty and staff who were born before 1/1/57 are considered immune to mumps, and need do nothing further. Neither can these individuals -- or anyone who has immunity -- carry the infection home or elsewhere to infect others.
For those born on or after 1/1/57, we ask that you confirm your immune status to your own satisfaction. You are considered immune if you have either had the disease, or received the usual two doses of MMR vaccine. Your physician’s office might have documentation of your vaccine status, even if you were not under their care when you were vaccinated.
If you have not been vaccinated or are unsure of your vaccine status please contact Carol Mohler or Karen Bishop at the Tompkins County Department of Health at 274-6604, or contact us here at the IC Health Center with questions, 274-3177.
