Officials: an epidemic of mumps in the temple extends over 67 probable cases

Health officials in Philadelphia now say 67 people have contracted mumps at Temple University.

City Department of Health spokesman James Garrow said on Tuesday that the total number of probable cases was 67, up from 54 the previous day. WCAU-TV reports that health officials confirmed 12 cases through laboratory tests, while another 55 were listed as probable.

Probable diagnoses are used in cases where a person in the community has symptoms resembling mumps. Garrow says that there is no reason to spend money to perform confirmatory tests because a viral mumps infection can not be cured.

Health officials recommend that students who may be infected should limit contact with others for at least five days and seek medical attention.