Measles is not the only disease on the rise. Mumps also may be making a comeback
CNN • • health
Key Points:
- Maryland health officials have reported 26 mumps cases so far this year, prompting an alert as outbreaks increase nationwide despite vaccination efforts.
- Mumps is a contagious viral infection spread through respiratory droplets and saliva, with symptoms including swelling of the salivary glands, fever, headache, and muscle aches; adolescents and adults tend to experience more severe symptoms than children.
- Serious complications from mumps can include orchitis, meningitis, encephalitis, and permanent hearing loss, with unvaccinated individuals at the highest risk.
- The MMR vaccine is about 86% effective against mumps after two doses, but outbreaks can still occur due to waning immunity and close-contact settings like colleges; vaccinated individuals usually experience milder
