Home / Health / Mumps Surge: Cases Rise in US Health Alerts
Mumps Surge: Cases Rise in US Health Alerts
14 Mar
Summary
- Maryland reported 26 mumps cases by February 19 this year.
- The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documented 34 cases nationally.
- Reduced vaccination rates are linked to the resurgence of mumps.
Health officials across the United States are observing a rise in mumps cases, with Maryland issuing an alert. As of February 19 this year, 26 cases were reported in Maryland, predominantly among adults in the Baltimore region. Nationally, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documented 34 mumps cases across 11 jurisdictions by late February.
This increase in vaccine-preventable diseases like mumps and measles is attributed to a reduction in vaccination rates. Mumps is a viral illness typically contracted in childhood and preventable by the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Symptoms of mumps, appearing two to three weeks after exposure, can include swollen glands, fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected saliva or respiratory droplets. Complications can range from meningitis and encephalitis to orchitis in males and oophoritis in females, potentially affecting fertility.
