Mumps Cases Expanding in 2017

Mumps cases are being reported across the country, leading some health officials to say it may be time to consider adding a third vaccination dose.

Since January, 1,077 cases of mumps have been reported in more than 37 states, according to the Centers of Disease and Control Prevention (CDC).

2016 was the second highest in the post-vaccine era, with more than 5,311 mumps cases reported to the CDC. The two largest outbreaks were from Iowa and Illinois, each involving several hundred university students; both held wide-scale vaccination campaigns.

A record year for mumps cases was 2006, when more than 6,500 cases were reported to the CDC.

Before the mumps vaccination program started in 1967, about 186,000 cases were reported each year, but the actual number of cases was likely higher due to underreporting.

According to the CDC, the MMR-II vaccine prevents most, but not all, cases of mumps. The CDC says two doses of the vaccine are 88% effective at protecting against mumps; one dose is 78% effective.

MMR-II is the only licensed mumps vaccine in the United States. MMR and ProQuad both contain the protection for mumps, as well as protection for measles and rubella. ProQuad additionally protects against varicella.

“At two doses, the MMR vaccine is very impactful at 88% effectiveness,” said Dr. Christopher Perkins, Dallas County medical director/health authority.

“A third dose is recommended if you have been associated with an outbreak. Ensuring you are up to date with your vaccination is the best protection in addition to washing hands frequently and cleaning/disinfecting objects or surfaces that may be contaminated with germs,” said Dr. Perkins.

No formal CDC recommendation for a third MMR dose currently exists.

The CDC guidelines regarding consideration of a third dose to help control mumps outbreaks include outbreaks among populations with two-dose MMR vaccination coverage of more than 90%.

Complications of mumps can include meningitis (in up to 15% of cases), orchitis and deafness. Very rarely, mumps can cause encephalitis and permanent neurological damage.

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It typically starts with a few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite, followed by swollen salivary glands.

CDC recommends that children receive two doses of MMR vaccine:

• First dose: 12 through 15 months of age
• Second dose: 4 through 6 years of age

Children can receive the second dose before 4 years of age as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose.

Students at post-high school educational institutions, such as college, trade schools, and training programs, who do not have evidence of immunity (protection) against mumps need two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.

People who are born during or after 1957 who do not have evidence of immunity against mumps should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine unless they have a medical contraindication to the vaccine.

The CDC Vaccine Price Lists posted on this website provide current vaccine contract prices and list the private sector vaccine prices for general information.