In response to the recent mumps outbreak, health officials say Butler University had “successful” mumps vaccination clinics.
“We saw 1,500 people in six hours Tuesday,” said Melissa McMasters, coordinator of the Immunization and Infectious Disease program at the Marion County Health Department.
The two-day vaccination clinic was held in the Health and Recreation Complex, and students and faculty at Butler agree it was an inconvenience but needed.
“It’s kind of crazy and can be overwhelming to know it’s spreading more than we thought, but I think it’s (the clinic) necessary to keep everyone safe,” said Butler freshman, Holloway Bird. “It was a little bit of (an inconvenience) because it’s hard to fit in with your schedule, but then they (Butler administration) expanded the time frame (for the clinic).”
Professor in the College of Business at Butler, Dick Halstead has taught at the university for nine years and says he has never seen an outbreak like this. He also agreed the clinic was an inconvenience but necessary.
The vaccination clinic was free to all students and staff, and students that received the vaccination said the process was about 30 minutes once seen by a health professional.
“Depending on the line it (the wait) could be anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour,” said Butler junior Vince Marshall.
Indiana Univeristy has confirmed five cases of the mumps and released a statement stating, “Because of the increasing number of confirmed cases of mumps at Indiana University Bloomington, the campus — in cooperation with the Monroe County Health Department and the Indiana State Department of Health — will offer free measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations to students, faculty and staff on Wednesday and Thursday in the Georgian Room on the first floor of the Indiana Memorial Union.”
Anyone with symptoms will not be admitted to the vaccination clinic — even if they have received the MMR vaccine. Those with symptoms should stay home and immediately call before going to the IU Health Center at 812-855-5002 during office hours or (812) 330-3790 after hours.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “a major factor contributing to outbreaks is being in a crowded environment, such as attending the same class, playing on the same sports team, or living in a dormitory with a person who has mumps.”
In 2011-2013, there were several smaller mumps outbreaks reported on college campuses in California, Virginia, and Maryland-all had limited spread.
The CDC also says the mumps can be serious, but most people with mumps recover completely in a few weeks. Common symptoms of the mumps are: fatigue, achy, fever and swollen salivary glands on the side of the face.
If you have the mumps, you should avoid prolonged, close contact with other people until at least five days after your salivary glands begin to swell because you are contagious during this time.
Mumps is a virus and can not be treated with medicine. Washing your hands often with soap and water is the best way to protect yourself from the virus.
The CDC also suggests covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, avoiding sharing drinks or eating utensils and frequently disinfecting touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, tables, counters will help reduce the chances of contracting the virus.
For more information about the vaccine visit cdc.gov.
