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Lessons from managing a campus mumps outbreak using test, trace, and isolate efforts
Nita Bharti1, Cara Exten2, Valerie Fulton3
1Biology Department, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, PA.
Abstract:
In 2017, Penn State University's campus experienced a mumps outbreak that coincided with unrelated restrictions on social gatherings. University Health Services implemented testing, contact tracing, and quarantine and isolation protocols. Approximately half of the supplied contact tracing information was usable, ∼70% of identified contacts were reached, and <50% of those contacted complied with quarantine protocol. Students with confirmed mumps reported ∼7.4 (1-35) contacts on average. Findings from this outbreak can inform future outbreak management on college campuses, including COVID-19, by estimating average contacts per case, planning capacity for testing and quarantine/isolation, and strategically increasing compliance with suggested interventions.
Insights
A 2017 mumps outbreak at Penn State highlighted challenges in managing infectious disease on college campuses. Findings inform strategies for future outbreaks, including COVID-19, by improving contact tracing and compliance with public health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Management
Background:
- A mumps outbreak occurred at Penn State University in 2017.
- The outbreak coincided with unrelated social gathering restrictions, complicating public health responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the 2017 mumps outbreak response at Penn State.
- To identify challenges and inform future infectious disease outbreak management strategies on college campuses.
Main Methods:
- University Health Services implemented testing, contact tracing, and quarantine/isolation protocols.
- Data collection focused on the usability of contact tracing information, reachability of contacts, and compliance with quarantine.
Main Results:
- Only about half of contact tracing information was usable.
- Approximately 70% of identified contacts were reached, but fewer than 50% complied with quarantine.
- Students with mumps reported an average of 7.4 contacts.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of campus outbreaks requires optimizing contact tracing data quality and enhancing compliance with public health measures.
- Findings provide insights for resource allocation and intervention strategies for future outbreaks, including COVID-19.
- Improving compliance is crucial for controlling infectious disease transmission in university settings.
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