Mumps is back, but vaccines can prevent it

"Mumps, which causes painful mouth swelling, is preventable with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. But vaccination rates in children have fallen as antivaccine sentiment has grown in the wake of the COVID pandemic, leading to a massive spike in measles outbreaks in the past year."

"Mumps infects the salivary glands below the ears. The virus spreads via respiratory droplets and saliva through coughing, sneezing, talking or sharing eating utensils. It can take two to four weeks for people to show symptoms after they are infected."

"One of the most painful complications of mumps is orchitis, or swelling of the testicles, which can harm fertility. The disease can also cause oophoritis or mastitis, which respectively mean inflammation in the ovaries or breasts. In rare cases, mumps can also result in meningitis or encephalitis."

Mumps, a preventable viral respiratory infection, has resurfaced with at least 34 cases detected across 11 U.S. regions, including 26 cases in Maryland as of February 19. The disease infects salivary glands below the ears and spreads through respiratory droplets and saliva via coughing, sneezing, talking, or shared utensils. Symptoms appear two to four weeks after infection and include painful jaw swelling, fever, headache, and muscle ache. While children often experience mild or no symptoms, teenagers and adults typically suffer more severe illness. Declining MMR vaccination rates due to post-COVID vaccine hesitancy have contributed to this resurgence. No specific treatment exists; recovery relies on rest, hydration, and pain relievers. Serious complications include orchitis, oophoritis, mastitis, meningitis, encephalitis, and permanent hearing loss.

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