Reported by: Annie Flaherty
Two SUNY Oswego students have contracted the mumps this semester. Vaccinations at the college are required for all students, but there is a 30-day period in the beginning of the semester before students have to provide the records of their immunizations. The first case of the mumps appeared on campus during this period, whereas the second case appeared this past week.
School health officials took the proper precautions once they were notified the virus was on campus.
“We notified administration […] the student was placed in isolation, and isolation is just a private room on campus, and the student went home until results and symptoms resolved,” said Angie Brown, Director of Health Service at Mary Walker Health Center at SUNY Oswego.
Other students on campus had mixed reactions to hearing the diagnosis of the mumps in their community.
“I was going to get everything and do everything I could to keep myself healthy and safe,” said senior Joe Governale.
Since the school is taking precautions, other students had different things to say.
“I was kind of worried at first, but I don’t think it is as serious as some people think it is,” said student Lauren Nevil.
Officials at Mary Walker say that the symptoms of the mumps start out similar to the common cold, but the distinguishing symptom between the two are very swollen cheeks and glands under the ears. If anyone is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact Mary Walker Health Center at (315) 312- 4100 or online at Oswego.edu/walker-health-center.