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Thanks to vaccination, the number of reported mumps cases in the U.S. has
dropped steadily from 212,000 in 1964 to 231 in 2001. However, an outbreak
in the Midwest last December put mumps back in the news. Colorado reported
a case associated with travel from a Midwestern state with an outbreak.
Q&A
Q:
What is mumps and what are the symptoms of the illness?
A: Mumps is an
infection caused by a virus. The most common symptoms are fever,
head-ache, muscle aches, tiredness and lost of appetite. Swollen or tender
salivary glands under the ears is also common. Of those who do get mumps,
up to half have very mild, or no symptoms. Severe complications of mumps
are rare, but include inflammation of the brain and/or tissue covering the
brain and spinal cord, deafness (usually permanent), miscarriage and
inflammation of the testicles or breasts and ovaries.
Q: I
heard that some people in the Midwestern outbreak had been vaccinated. How
come they still got sick?
A: Two doses of
the mumps vaccine (usually given in combination with measles, mumps,
rubella, also known as MMR) are recommended. One dose of vaccine provides
immunity in about 80 percent of people while two doses provide
approximately 90 percent. The first dose is usually given around the first
birthday. Starting in 1990, a second dose at ages 4-6 was recommended. One
theory behind the outbreak is that people who got sick may have received
only one dose and therefore not been immune.
Q:
Who is at risk for getting mumps?
A: Anyone who
is not immune from previous mumps infection or from vaccination can get
mumps. Vaccination is recommended for adults born after Jan. 1, 1957, who
have not been immunized or who only received one dose. If you aren’t sure
if you were vaccinated, it’s safe to get vaccinated again. The Larimer
County Depart-ment of Health and Environment has a limited amount of
vaccine for adults. Shots cost $58 and are available by appointment:
498-6700. Parents with young children should check with their child’s
doctor about immunizations.
Q:
How is mumps spread?
A: Mumps is
spread by mucus or droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person,
usually when a person coughs or sneezes, or when an infected person
touches items which are then touched by another person.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control, Larimer County Department of Health
and Environment |
