Students at two State University of New York campuses have been diagnosed with the mumps. Both cases — one at SUNY Oswego and the other at SUNY Plattsburgh — are laboratory-confirmed.
The SUNY Oswego case is believed to be associated with a recent outbreak that occurred in the Long Beach area of Long Island. The Nassau County Department of Health has identified more than 45 cases of the mumps associated with the Long Beach outbreak. The origin of the SUNY Plattsburgh case is yet to be determined.
"We are warning colleges and universities in New York State and beyond that the outbreak of mumps in Long Beach could lead to other cases," said New York State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, MD. "SUNY Oswego and SUNY Plattsburgh both have high percentages of vaccinated students, and we appreciate their cooperation in doing everything they can to prevent the spread of mumps on their campuses. We urge students, faculty and staff members with symptoms that could indicate mumps to seek medical care."
Mumps is highly contagious and spread by coughing, sneezing and close contact with an infected individual. The viral disease incites fever, headache, earache and salivary gland inflammation.
To learn more about the mumps, click here.
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