Mumps Surge in Maryland: Cases Rise, Officials Investigate

Maryland has recorded at least 26 mumps cases as of February 19, 2026, with health officials actively investigating a potential connection between them. The majority of these recent cases have been identified among adults in the Baltimore area. While the number of cases is rising, public health authorities maintain that the risk to the general population remains low due to high MMR vaccination coverage across the state.

Mumps is a contagious disease spread through saliva and respiratory droplets, though less so than measles. Symptoms typically appear two to four weeks after exposure and can include swollen glands, loss of appetite, and respiratory issues. Vaccination, particularly the two-dose Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, is strongly recommended to prevent infection. Symptoms tend to be milder in vaccinated individuals, and those experiencing mumps-like symptoms are advised to seek medical evaluation.