Western New York may have its first cases of mumps since 2010. Officials at the University at Buffalo say two of their students likely have mumps and another four are suspect cases.
UB is working with the State Health Department and the Erie County Health Department. One of their first tasks is to figure out how many students are not immune to mumps, so they can take steps to prevent them from catching it.
County health commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein says its likely few people are susceptible. "Most people are immunized," she says, "so we're hoping that there will not be a significant outbreak." While no vaccine is 100% effective, Dr. Burstein says this one is about 88% effective.
"Since we have good herd immunity in our community," she adds, "we're hoping this outbreak will be contained."
Mumps is a viral disease transmitted through saliva. Burstein says at college, "people are drinking out of each others' glasses, sometimes, at parties, or sharing utensils, sharing food," so there's a lot of potential for the transmission of the disease.
The classic symptom of mumps is swollen salivary glands, though one-third of persons infected do not show visible swelling. Other symptoms include fever, headache and loss of appetite. Symptoms usually appear two to three weeks after exposure.
Those who are not immune may be vaccinated, or excluded from the school for three to four weeks. UB is on spring break through March 21.
