Temple University in Philadelphia will offer free vaccinations to students and staff next week after 74 confirmed or suspected cases of mumps have been identified, school officials announced Thursday.
Walk-in clinics at the 40,000-student university will offer the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine in conjunction with the city’s Department of Public Health on Wednesday and Friday, according to a news release.
“Self-isolated after the onset of symptoms remains one of the most critical steps a symptomatic individual can take toward recovery and limiting the spread of mumps,” the statement read. “The university continues to recommend this measure for symptomatic students, faculty and staff.”
The move comes after Temple identified 15 confirmed cases of mumps and 59 probable cases, university spokesman Ray Betzner told The Post. There are no plans to temporarily close the school, as more than 10,000 people have called for in an online petition.
“No, we’re not closing,” Betzner said during a brief interview. “It would not stop the spread of the disease, which is the important point.”
The petition at Change.org calling for Temple’s temporary closure has eclipsed more than 10,100 signatures as of Thursday.
“Even the slightest exposure to the infection could put students with these compromised immune systems at risk for not only developing the mumps, but worsening their pre-existing conditions,” the petition reads. “This outbreak makes Temple an unsafe environment for all students and faculty, but especially students and faculty with autoimmune diseases.”
The petition claims the “outbreak will not cease” as long as classes and activities continue at Temple, “especially considering the type of community that exists within a college campus.”
Mumps, according to state health officials, is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus that leads to symptoms including swollen or tender salivary glands or testicles, low-grade fever, fatigue and muscle aches. It can be spread through saliva and respiratory droplets created when a person with the virus coughs or sneezes, or through shared utensils.
“The best way to prevent mumps is to get two doses of the MMR vaccine,” according to an informational sheet released by the Philadelphia Department of Public health. “Some people who had had both doses may still get it, but it’s the best protection out there. The next-best way is to stay away from people who are sick and not to share cups or utensils, or anything with saliva on it with anyone.”
The outbreak has grown significantly in recent weeks, as Temple reported that at least four students had verified cases of mumps late last month, Philly.com reported.
Betzner said at the time that university officials believed there could be more cases.
The incubation period for mumps is 12 to 25 days, with symptoms often appearing 16 to 18 days after exposure to the disease.