March 2, 2016

Dear Harvard College Parents and Guardians,

I write to let you know that your student received the letter below, from University Health Services Director Dr. Paul Barreira, which contains information about a number of cases of mumps that have occurred within the Harvard community. I encourage you to read it and take note of the guidance provided to your student about ways to keep safe and, if necessary, report any symptoms they may experience.

We will contact you with any significant updates.

Warmly,
Dean Khurana

Dear Members of the Harvard Community,

Since I wrote to you on Monday, we have confirmed four additional cases of mumps in the Harvard community, for a total of six cases. These students have already been in isolation, and Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) continues to work closely with the Cambridge Public Health Department and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to investigate the scope of the exposure.

If you are experiencing facial swelling, jaw pain, ear ache, or testicular swelling, you should refrain from public activities and contact HUHS at 617-495-5711 to be evaluated, even if you have been vaccinated.

Individuals who have previously had mumps are considered immune to the virus. However, those who have been vaccinated for mumps—though much less likely to contract the virus—can still be infected. If you are unsure whether or not you have been vaccinated, you should contact your health care provider.

If you, or your child, are not fully vaccinated—meaning you have only had one dose of the vaccine—we recommend that you contact your health care provider, or your child’s pediatrician, to become fully immunized. If you have already been fully immunized, there is no data to support that a third “booster” shot will provide any additional immunity.

A reminder that prevention is centered on good hygiene:

• Always cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Wash your hands frequently
• Dispose of used tissues and other similar objects appropriately
• Do not share glasses, eating utensils, water bottles, etc.

Under the direction of the Public Health Department, we will continue to advise those who have been diagnosed with mumps or presumptive mumps (while they are awaiting test results) to self-isolate for five days after the onset of salivary gland swelling. Accommodations are being made for those individuals to minimize exposure to others.

HUHS continues to monitor this situation closely, and additional information can be found at huhs.harvard.edu/mumps.
 

Paul J. Barreira, MD
Director, Harvard University Health Services
Henry K. Oliver Professor of Hygiene