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PHILADELPHIA, PA. (CBS) – Mumps cases are spreading in the Philadelphia area after an outbreak at Temple University. Cases are now reported at the University of Drexel, West Chester University, Abington Senior High School and North Wales Elementary School.
The Drexel University announced Friday that a postgraduate student had contracted the highly infectious disease.
"The deal at Drexel involves a graduate student who lives off campus," said the university in a letter to students and staff.
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Also Friday, officials at Abington High School alerted parents of an alleged mumps case on campus. The school said it sent a letter Thursday to parents and guardians after being notified by the Montgomery County Public Health Bureau.
"The Montgomery County Public Health Bureau is currently investigating a student from Abington Senior High School with an alleged case of mumps," the letter says.
The school also asks parents to confirm that their child is vaccinated.
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"We ask you to confirm that your child has been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. If they are not immunized according to their age, it is recommended that the child receive this vaccine, "the letter says.
The Public Health Bureau, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, recommends that all children receive the combined measles / mumps / rubella (MMR) vaccine at the age of 12 months and a second dose between 4 and 6 years old.
The school advises parents and guardians to contact the Montgomery County Public Health Office at 610-278-5117 if they have any questions or concerns. You can read the letter in its entirety here.
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The latest cases appeared while an epidemic of mumps at Temple University had reached 86 cases. Growing numbers prompted an online petition calling for the temporary closure of the campus. The school has since announced that it will offer two walk-in clinics to students, faculty and staff next week.
A student from West Chester University also contracted mumps after visiting the Temple campus.
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Mumps is a viral disease characterized by fever, swelling, and the sensitivity of one or more salivary glands. Mumps is transmitted by droplets of saliva or by direct contact with the saliva of an infected person. For more information on mumps, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
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