Mumps Case Confirmed At West Chester University

WEST CHESTER, PA — After recent outbreaks at Temple University and in Montgomery County, a mumps case has now been confirmed at West Chester University, health officials said Thursday.

The student, who commutes from an off campus residence to school, was tested on Monday and quickly isolated, and is now undergoing treatment, the university said.

No other cases have yet been reported at West Chester, and no other students have reported symptoms. The university community was notified of the situation in a letter from Zebulun R. Davenport, the school's Vice President for Student Affairs, on Thursday morning.

Dozens of cases of mumps have been reported at Temple University in recent weeks. The outbreak spread to Montgomery County shortly thereafter from students traveling from Temple.

The highly infectious disease is passed through saliva and respiratory secretions. Sharing food, beverages, or eating utensils with infected individuals can spread the illness. The incubation period for mumps is 12 to 25 days, but symptoms often appear 16 to 18 days after exposure.

>>Mumps Outbreak Expands To Montgomery County: Officials

The roommates of the infected student have been contacted, and health officials will recommend they receive the recommended booster for measles, mumps, and rubella.

Symptoms are similar to the flu and include tender swollen glands below the ear and along the jawline on one or both sides of the face and neck, headache, fever and cold-like symptoms.

It remains unclear if the West Chester case is related to the Temple outbreak.

Immunization remains the best way to prevent mumps, health officials advise.

West Chester students who think they may be suffering symptoms should contact Student Health Services immediately at 610-436-2509.get