Dear Prospective Students,
Student Health Services has reported a number of confirmed cases of mumps on campus.
The New York State Health Department has indicated that there is minimal risk of transmission. Campus tours and general information sessions will continue on campus as scheduled. We will eliminate campus tours in the three affected residence halls until further notice.
We look forward to your visit and ask that you please note the following:
- All SUNY New Paltz students 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. This swelling may be associated with other non-specific symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and decreased appetite.
- The transmission of mumps is through close contact, sharing of utensils or drinking glasses, and saliva contact. Washing hands is recommended per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Per campus protocol, the affected students, who had been immunized against mumps, have been isolated for the recommended period of time. A small number of students who have not been immunized have been sent home during the incubation period.
Immunizations work but are not 100% effective. If you plan to visit, please check your immunization records to ensure they are up to date.
If you decide not to visit at this time, we encourage you to learn more about the College through our admission website: http://www.newpaltz.edu/admissions/.
For questions about campus tours and general information sessions, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission: (845) 257-3200.
Sincerely,
Jack Ordway, M.D.
Director, Student Health Service
