275 Mumps Cases Reported During March 2019

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported 426 mumps virus infections during the January to March 29, 2019 timeframe. 

These mumps cases were reported by 34 states and the District of Columbia on April 9, 2019. 

This news is actually a positive trend when compared with the 2,251 mumps cases reported during 2018. 

The mumps virus is a vaccine-preventable disease, says the CDC.

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

People who have received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine are about 9 times less likely to get mumps than unvaccinated people who have the same exposure to the mumps virus. 

However, some fully immunized people can still get mumps, especially if they have prolonged, close contact with someone who has the disease.

Such as living on a college campus.

But, there may be a vaccine efficacy issue as well.

According to a Harvard study, one potential cause of these mumps outbreaks is ‘waning vaccine immunity.’

This study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that vaccine-derived immune protection against mumps persists on average for just 27 years, after the last administered dose. 

In response to this new information, the CDC released new guidance during November 2018, suggesting when the 3rd dose of mumps vaccine is appropriate. 

Some people who get mumps have very mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all and may not know they have the disease. However, in rare cases, mumps can cause more severe complications. 

The CDC says that if you have questions related to the mumps virus or any infectious disease, you should speak with a healthcare provider.

Recent mumps cases in the news:

• Mumps May Have Migrated to Texas
• Mumps Love Visiting UK and USA Colleges
• Mumps Outbreak in Philadelphia Reaches 49 Cases

In the USA, most pharmacies offer mumps vaccination services. To schedule an appointment with a pharmacist visit this site.

Mumps vaccine discounts can be found at GoodRx.

Mumps vaccines can cause side effects, says the CDC. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to your healthcare provider or the CDC.