US REPORTS RISE IN MUMPS INFECTIONS: SIGNS, CAUSES, AND PREVENTION TIPS
The United States is reporting a rise in mumps infections, raising concerns among public health experts. Similar to measles, mumps is a contagious viral illness and has begun resurfacing in several regions. Doctors warn that although mumps is preventable through vaccination, outbreaks can still occur when vaccination coverage declines or immunity weakens over time.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands located near the ears. The illness is caused by the mumps virus, which spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets, saliva, and close contact.
CNN has confirmed that the Maryland Department of Health has issued an alert after confirming at least 26 cases reported so far this year. Most of these cases have occurred in adults in the Baltimore area. Also, nationally, the CDC reported that as of late February, 11 jurisdictions have documented 34 cases. With a reduction in the rates of vaccination, diseases like mumps and measles are coming back.
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What is mumps?
Mumps is a viral disease that can affect both children and adults, though it is more common in younger populations. Before the widespread use of vaccines, mumps outbreaks were common across many countries. The introduction of the MMR vaccine - which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella - significantly reduced cases worldwide.However, health experts say that sporadic outbreaks still occur, particularly in crowded environments such as schools, colleges, and workplaces.
Signs and symptoms of mumps
Symptoms of mumps typically appear two to three weeks after exposure to the virus. In some cases, infected individuals may have mild symptoms or none at all, which can make the disease harder to detect and control. A few common symptoms include:- Swelling of the salivary glands, often causing puffy cheeks and jaw pain
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
What are the possible complications of mumps?
Although many people recover from mumps without serious problems, complications can occur in some cases. These may include inflammation of the brain, also known as encephalitis, meningitis, which is an infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, hearing loss, inflammation of the testicles in males, and inflammation of the ovaries in women.Doctors say that while these complications are relatively rare, they highlight the importance of early diagnosis and vaccination.
How do mumps spread?
The mumps virus spreads through coughing, sneezing, talking, and sharing personal items such as utensils or water bottles. Because the virus spreads through respiratory droplets, close-contact environments can accelerate transmission.Experts say that outbreaks can occur when vaccination rates drop, when individuals skip recommended booster doses, or when immunity from earlier vaccination begins to decline.
Ways to prevent mumps
Public health experts emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent mumps infection. The MMR vaccine provides protection against three viral diseases and is typically administered in two doses during childhood. A few additional prevention tips include:- Maintaining good hand hygiene
- Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Staying home when sick to prevent spreading infection
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2026-03-14T12:31:25Z