Fewer Mumps Cases Reported During 2018

Mumps is best prevented with the MMR and ProQuad vaccines
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(Precision Vaccinations News)

So far in 2018, the number of reported mumps cases is fewer than 2017.

Which is good news!

From January 1 to June 16, 2018, the District of Columbia and 47 states have reported 1,447 mumps infections to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

At the same date in 2017, approximately 2,800 cases had been reported.

However, mumps outbreaks can occur any time of year, and a major factor contributing to outbreaks is being in a crowded environment, such as attending the same class, playing on the same sports team, or living in a dormitory with a person who has mumps.

Also, certain behaviors such as kissing or sharing utensils, cups, lip balm or cigarettes, might increase the spread of the virus.

During 2018, mumps outbreaks have occurred in schools, colleges, dances and camps, such as:

The CDC says a high vaccination coverage helps limit the size, duration, and spread of mumps outbreaks.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine prevents most, but not all, cases of mumps and the complications caused by the disease.

Two doses of the vaccine are 88 percent effective at protecting against mumps, while 1 dose is 78 percent effective.

But, the MMR vaccine has shown to have waning immunity. 

As previously reported, a study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that vaccine-derived immune protection against mumps persists an average of about 27 years, after the last dose.

These Harvard researchers estimated that 25 percent of people in the U.S. vaccinated against mumps may lose protection within 7.9 years, 50 percent within 19 years, and 75 percent within 38 years.

Which means, in addition to the currently recommended 2 doses of mumps vaccine early in life, a 3rd booster shot may help sustain immunization among adults.

Both the MMR-II and ProQuad vaccines contain the protection for mumps, as well as protection against measles and rubella. ProQuad additionally protects against varicella.

Most pharmacies offer MMR vaccination services.

The CDC Vaccine Price List provides private sector vaccine prices for general information.

Vaccine discounts can be found here.

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects, says the CDC. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the FDA or CDC.

 

Our Trust Standards: Medical Advisory Committee

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