Mumps has been active in Arkansas and at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Missouri State University had the first case of probable mumps on Friday, Dec. 2.

We are reminding Missouri State University students and employees:

• Students should have documentation of two MMR vaccinations, with at least 1 month between the two vaccinations.
• Employees born in 1957 or later should have documentation of 1 or more MMR vaccinations.
• All should:
  • Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing-with a tissue, or into upper sleeve/elbow
  • Wash hands often with soap and water
  • Avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
  • Avoid close contact with a patient who has known or suspected mumps
• If you have not completed 2 Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) vaccination, please call Taylor’s Treatment Clinic at 836-4020 to arrange completion of your MMR vaccination series.

Taylor Health has arranged for extra MMR vaccine. If an individual has not yet completed their two-vaccination series, we will be able to help them. Most students have had two MMR vaccinations as part of requirements for public K-12 schooling in Missouri, though some exceptions apply.

Taylor Health is not authorized to provide the experimental third dose of MMR vaccine.

More information can be found at the CDC’s website.