Mumps in the United States of America
18 Apr 2016
Two mumps outbreaks are ongoing among university/college students in the states of Indiana and Massachusetts, United States of America.
As of 29 Mar 2016, there have been 19 confirmed and 30 suspect cases of mumps at Harvard University in the state of Massachusetts. As of 8 April 2016, in the state of Indiana, several campuses have reported mumps cases among students: Butler University (24), Indiana University (18), IndianaUniversity-Purdue University (4) and Indianapolis and Purdue University (4). A further 15 cases have been reported in the community outwith the universities.
Students are being advised to ensure that they are up to date with MMR immunisations.
Advice for Travellers
It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-13 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months. Unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.