Moravian College, mumps and vaccines: An explainer
Moravian College is currently experiencing an outbreak of mumps, with five cases identified to date. The local outbreak has sparked attention in the Lehigh Valley. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Moravian is not alone in a mumps outbreak scenario.
In 2019 alone,
2,363 mumps cases have been re- ported in
47 states and the District of Columbia.
Moravian College follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to request up-to-date immunization upon college entry. However, Pennsylvania laws permit an “opt out” option for religious objections. So how is this outbreak happening with such a high vaccination compliance?
The occurrence of mumps has been greatly reduced with vaccination programs since 1967; however, outbreaks can still occur because of multiple virus strains. Individuals receiving two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are found to be 97% protected from measles or rubella infections and 88% protected against mumps. However vaccination does not equate to immunity.
Vaccination reduces the likelihood an individual will contract the illness. But individuals who have received the vaccine, as well as those who have decided to not be vaccinated, can be plagued with a case of the mumps when placed in close-contact environments — such as college communities.
The debate over whether to vaccinate or not continues despite the opinion of most health officials that the community benefits outweigh the individual risks. Yes, vaccines can cause temporary symptoms or side effects; however, it is important to note these side effects are minor and will often cease within a few days of receiving the vaccine. Individuals concerned should review the CDC’s Vaccination Information Statements for the particular vaccine being considered.
What can an individual do to support themselves and a healthy community?
Check your immunity status. If you have previously been vaccinated, ask your health care professional to check your immunity status through a blood test. If you are part of a group that is at an increased risk for mumps, you may be encouraged to have a booster vaccine.
Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often. Use soap and water or hand sanitizer frequently but especially before and after contact with others. Cover your mouth when you cough or nose when you sneeze. Mumps can be passed to others through these modes.
Stop sharing. Sharing is not always the act of caring in case of illness spread. You should limit sharing drinks or food items that could come in contact with body fluids (like saliva).
Clean community areas. Disinfect areas that could be used by multiple people. Use a Clorox wipe to clean countertops, doorknobs and electronic devices (yes, wipe down those mobile phones and keyboards).
Yield caution. Individuals who do not follow vaccination activities due to personal beliefs of risks outweighing harm should also limit their interactions in high-risk environments.
Outbreaks such as the mumps at Moravian heightens awareness of how illness can spread in the community in which we live. Vaccination reduces the occurrence of spreadable illness but cannot eliminate the possibility. Whether one decides to vaccinate or not does not guarantee immunity nor illness. Vaccine exposure has been proven to reduce the risk of contracting mumps.
Although not ideal, outbreaks such as this one empowers community members to become informed health citizens on the topic, reflect on the facts and act accordingly within their respective community to further reduce the incidence of spreadable illness.
Karen D. Groller is an assistant professor of nursing and public health at Moravian College, Bethlehem.