Mumps outbreak elicits caution on Moravian campus

An outbreak of the mumps at the Bethlehem campus of Moravian College is prompting the college to take precautions and monitor the infection, spokesman Michael Corr said.

As of Monday, the college has had five confirmed cases, Corr said, prompting the Bethlehem Health Bureau to deem the event “an outbreak.” A mumps outbreak is classified by three or more confirmed cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The bureau has not advised the college to cancel classes or close, but it will hold a vaccination clinic Tuesday for students in close contact with confirmed cases or for students who have no mumps vaccination.

Mumps is a contagious virus that primarily affects salivaproducing glands near the ears and jaw. It spreads quickly through contact with saliva.

The infection can cause swelling of the glands and pain in the face, difficulty swallowing or chewing as well as fever, headache, weakness and loss of appetite.

Complications are rare but can include inflammation in the brain, pancreas and testicles as well as hearing loss.

Mumps is easily combated by vaccinations, but the CDC reports that outbreaks do sometimes still occur and have, in recent years, been climbing as more parents opt against vaccinations for their children.

Corr said the college began to experience an uptick in upper respiratory illnesses early last week that had the potential to be diagnosed as mumps. The city’s Health Bureau began immediately conducting tests. The first case was confirmed Thursday, Corr said.

The Health Bureau is monitoring the situation, he said.

“Moravian College will remain in daily contact with the Bethlehem Health Bureau to ensure all protocols are followed and every measure is taken to protect all of the students, faculty and staff on campus,” Corr said.

Morning Call reporter Sarah M. Wojcik can be reached at 610-778-2283 or swojcik@mcall .com.