The College of Charleston Emergency Management Team is providing you the most up-to-date information surrounding the ongoing mumps outbreak on campus. As of November 7, 2019, eight new mumps cases have been confirmed this past week.
There has been a total of 26 reported cases of mumps at the College of Charleston. The vast majority of these cases are no longer infectious. As communicated previously, if you have had close contact with someone symptomatic with the mumps, monitor yourself for any possible symptoms.
The College of Charleston remains on its normal operating schedule and will not change its class and activity schedule, regardless of the number of positive mumps cases. To be clear, there is no scenario under which the College would close campus due to this outbreak.
If you have never received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the recommendation is to receive the full two-dose MMR series. For those who have not received the MMR vaccine, please visit a local pharmacy, urgent care facility or primary care physician. Once the vaccination is given, students should bring a copy of the record to Student Health Services. The vaccine will not prevent infection if you have already been exposed, but will minimize the risk from future exposure.
It remains important to be aware of the symptoms of mumps and to take steps to keep our community healthy. To prevent the spread of mumps and other viruses, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing; avoid sharing food, drinks and items such as eating utensils, cigarettes or vaping devices; and avoid activities that may result in saliva exposure.
The College has created a regularly updated FAQ that includes tips for hygiene and prevention.