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 Tuesday, November 26, 2019, five mumps cases have been confirmed this past week.
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.
Since September, the College has operated two two-day vaccine clinics on campus. 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 need to bring a copy of the record to Student Health Services. The vaccine will not prevent infection if you have already been exposed, but it will minimize the risk from future exposure.
Since the outbreak was announced in late September, the College has had a total of 56 confirmed mumps cases among members of the campus community, the vast majority of which are now no longer infectious. However, as communicated previously, if you have had close contact with someone symptomatic with the mumps, monitor yourself for any possible symptoms. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, please review the travel tips outlined by President Hsu last Friday, November 22.
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. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Careline will also be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday to answer additional questions you might have via phone at 855.472.3432.