Student Health Services communication to parents regarding mumps

Note from Student Health Services: On Friday, Oct. 25, our campus community received the notification below that an individual on main campus had a confirmed case of mumps. Our team in Student Health Services is working closely with officials from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to quickly identify and address any risk of transmission with members of the campus community who may have had close contact with this individual. The individual is no longer contagious and DHEC believes this to be an isolated case with no major threat to the campus community.

However, this is a great time to remind your students and notify other parents of vaccinations that are available through Redfern Health Center. Direct them HERE for any inquiries related to immunization. Currently, we have about 200 students who have not submitted proof of immunizations needed to meet medical clearance requirements. We are encouraged to see that number is decreasing by the day, especially with the pre-registration period for spring classes upcoming. Those students not in compliance with the medical clearance policy will not able to register for classes in the spring semester until all requirements are met.

We appreciate your attention to this matter. Email us at cufamilies@clemson.edu if you have any questions.

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Students, faculty and staff —

Clemson University officials, in coordination with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), have identified an individual on its main campus with a confirmed case of mumps. University officials have been in communication with DHEC to identify persons who may have been in close contact with the individual. DHEC has provided an exposure letter to those persons so that they can monitor for symptoms.

Clemson and DHEC remain committed to ensuring any risk of mumps transmission is quickly identified and addressed. Mumps is a contagious viral infection with no specific treatment, but symptoms typically disappear over the course of a few weeks. However, it is preventable through vaccination. If you have never received the MMR vaccine, the recommendation is to receive the full two-dose series. The vaccine will not prevent infection if you have already been exposed, but will protect you from future exposure.

The following precautions against mumps are advised by DHEC:

• Wash hands frequently and efficiently. When unable to wash with soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; use your upper sleeve to cover your cough, not your hand.
• Avoid sharing food, drinks and items such as eating utensils, cigarettes or vaping devices.
• Avoid participating in any activities that may result in saliva exposure.

Please visit websites for DHEC and the CDC for more information.