Hoboken school, Stevens Institute of Technology, reports eight mumps cases

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is investigating an outbreak of mumps in students at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ.

Proper immunization can prevent up to 95 percent of mumps cases. Image/CDC

According to a Stevens Health Advisory Thursday, there has been eight confirmed cases of mumps, The school is working with health officials and is following all of its recommendations in treating the cases.

“At Stevens our top priority is the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. Consistent with the procedures outlined by the NJDOH, all students with suspected mumps infection were isolated from others during the infectious phase of the illness and returned to their homes off campus,” said Maggie Cunning, Director of the Student Health Services. “There have been no reports of newly symptomatic cases since the initial cases last week.”

Cases were found in students ranging in age from 18 to 21 years and all were fully vaccinated with two documented doses of mumps-containing vaccine.

All Stevens’ students are required to have full vaccinations before attending the University, including the vaccination for mumps, measles and rubella (MMR).   Faculty and staff members who are unsure of their immunization status have been advised to contact a health care provider. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page.

Mumps is a contagious viral illness that spreads by droplets of saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat of an infected person, usually when the person coughs, sneezes or talks. While most people who have been given the mumps vaccine are usually protected for life against mumps infections, mumps can occur in previously immunized persons.

Symptoms include fever, body aches, headaches and swelling of the salivary glands under the ears or jaw.  Anyone who experiences these symptoms should contact his/her healthcare professional immediately.  If you become infected with mumps:  Stay at home for five days after symptoms begin; cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and, wash your hands frequently with soap and water.