Hope College has become aware that there have been a number of cases of mumps reported at WheatonCollege in recent days.

The Hope College football team is scheduled to host Wheaton College on Saturday, Sept. 23.

Upon inquiry, we have been advised by the Ottawa County Health Department and the Michigan Department of Community Health that there would be no imminent public health threat to persons who plan to attend the football game at Holland Municipal Stadium.

The game will be played as scheduled.

According to health authorities, mumps is a viral disease that is spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. Individuals who have never received immunization with the M.M.R. (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine are at highest risk of acquiring this disease if they are exposed. It is still possible for those who have had the two recommended doses of the M.M.R. vaccine to develop this disease. Women who are in their first trimester of pregnancy are at a higher risk than others.

Hope College has taken steps to assure that members of its football team are current with their immunizations.

Individuals with concerns about possible exposure to mumps should consider avoiding the football game.