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BLOOMINGTON, Indiana (WTHR) – Indiana University has confirmed three new mumps cases, bringing to six the total number of mumps since February 21, and this number could increase further. This despite an Indiana law requiring that students attending state-sponsored schools be vaccinated against mumps and several other contagious diseases.
IU spokesman Chuck Carney said all students infected with the virus, except one, were living off campus. This infected student lives in a house of brotherhood.
"We were able to contact these students in close contact with them (students diagnosed with mumps) to make sure they knew about it and get vaccinated, if necessary," Carney said.
Nevertheless, Dr. Beth Rupp, Medical Director of the Student Health Center, expects more cases.
"I guess there must be some because we do not necessarily have a strong correlation between the six, so I guess there are others that do not have a strong correlation between them. had no symptoms or had mild symptoms and did not recognize it, "she says.
The students we talked to called it worrying.
"It's really disturbing and I think it's been happening every year since I've been here," said Abbie Deluca, a senior.
IU has had small outbreaks that have affected a few students in recent years, but nothing like what is happening at Temple University in Philadelphia. Thousands of students queued to be vaccinated after more than 100 students became infected with mumps.
Temple does not require that students be vaccinated, but given the epidemic, they will do so next fall. IU and other state-sponsored schools require students to be vaccinated before enrolling unless they are granted religious or health exemption.
Carney said the six IU students diagnosed with mumps had been vaccinated against mumps and other diseases on the list, leaving Samantha Pine puzzled.
"Yeah, I have the impression of being vaccinated forever, so I never thought I would be the only one to be able to get it or a campus. could get it, "Pine said.
"I think most epidemics occur in dormitories," Deluca added.
Lauren DeVito accepted. "That's what I heard and everyone lives on each other."
Rupp said those living in "neighborhoods" were more likely to contract the virus. But if you are vaccinated, how are you going to get mumps?
Rupp said the vaccine was not 100% effective. It's closer to 88%.
"It is feared that the immunity of the flock will be reduced with fewer people vaccinated and part of the MMR vaccine against mumps (measles, mumps and rubella vaccine), that part of this immunity decreases over time, "said Rupp.
This is why anyone potentially exposed to mumps is encouraged to be vaccinated as an MMR vaccine as a precaution.
Carney told members of the fraternity where the student had fallen ill that they would be offered free vaccines Thursday by the state health department.
IU had previously reported cases of mumps on campus in February 2017, and IU and Butler had reported cases in February 2016. The new cases were confirmed last week and this weekend. Two cases were confirmed in February. The third case occurred in March.
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