Mumps in Australia (Queensland)

21 Aug 2017

There has been an increase in cases of mumps in Cairns Link with 14 cases seen by Queensland Health since 24 Jul 2017. Tropical Public Health director Dr Steven Donohue said the outbreak spread to Cairns from northwest Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Advice to travellers

This disease is still common in much of Asia, Africa, the Indian sub-continent and South America. More recently there have been outbreaks of mumps in many developed countries such as the US, Australia and several European countries including Spain and the UK. The risk is greater when living or working with local people or travelling for large gatherings (e.g. sporting and music events).

The two vaccines that protect against mumps are combined with measles and rubella (MMR). Currently used vaccines in the UK are: M-M-RVAXPRO and Priorix. MMR vaccine is usually given to children as part of the national childhood schedule, in infancy and prior to starting school. Two doses of vaccine give long-lasting protection against all three diseases.

Individuals should ensure that they have received two doses of MMR prior to travel to areas where the risk of mumps is high. Those who were born between 1980 and 1990 may not have received two doses of MMR vaccine. Individuals born between this time should check with their GP to ensure that they have received vaccination. Prior infection with mumps will provide lifelong immunity against that particular disease.

For further information see Mumps.