Quote:
Crouse takes steps to limit exposure to mumps
by James T. Mulder
Wednesday August 20, 2008, 2:15 PM
Crouse Hospital in Syracuse is closely monitoring infants and staff in its neonatal intensive care unit for signs of mumps after three staff members came down with symptoms of the viral disease.
Bob Allen, a Crouse vice president, said today no patients have developed symptoms of mumps
A Crouse neonatal intensive care unit doctor was exposed to mumps while traveling in Ethiophia earlier this summer, Allen said. She developed symptoms of the disease and fully recovered. In the past week a nurse practitioner in the same unit and a nurse in the labor and delivery unit developed symptoms. None of the cases have been confirmed.
To limit further exposure, the hospital said all staff in the neonatal intensive care unit and associated areas are having their immune status evaluated and are being vaccinated as necessary. The hospital also is limiting visitation to the neonatal intensive care unit to parents and it is making them wear masks while in contact with their children.
Dr. Cynthia Morrow, Onondaga County's health commissioner, called the suspected mumps cases at the hospital "a low risk situation." She said Crouse has taken very aggressive action to limit exposure. Mumps is a relatively minor disease, she said. Mumps is also rare because most people are vaccinated against it, she said.
For more details read The Post-Standard Thursday.