Number of Temple University mumps cases grows to 74, prompting petition to close school

PHILADELPHIA (FOX 29) - Philadelphia health officials say 74 people have contracted mumps at Temple University.

The latest increase has led to a petition that calls for the school to close until the outbreak can be contained.

The petition calls for 10,000 signatures. The university has not yet commented on the petition.

Officials say 15 cases have been confirmed through laboratory testing while 59 other patients are listed as likely cases based on their symptoms.

Health officials recommend students who may be infected limit contact with others for at least five days and seek medical care.

Mumps is a viral infection that involves swelled glands. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way for people to protect themselves against it.

Temple University has made some changes, and will now require enrolled students to have the MMR vaccine, which can prevent mumps.