NEW PALTZ – Student Health Services at SUNY New Paltz has reported
nine confirmed cases of mumps on the college campus.
The state Health Department has indicated that there is minimal risk of
transmission. Campus tours and general information sessions will continue
on campus as scheduled, according to a letter posted by Dr. Jack Ordway,
director of Student Health Services. Three of the school’s residence halls,
though, are eliminated from the tours until further notice.
He told prospective students that they are required to provide documentation
of two measles, one rubella and one mumps immunization or provide documentation
of a religious or other exemption.
Mumps is caused by a respiratory virus, whose symptoms include painful
swelling of the salivary glands near the ears and under the jaw, which
can occur on one or both sides of the face. The swelling may be associated
with other non-specific symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches,
fatigue and decreased appetite.
