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Mumps and mumps vaccine: a global review
A M Galazka1, S E Robertson, A Kraigher
1National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract:
Mumps is an acute infectious disease caused by a paramyxovirus. Although the disease is usually mild, up to 10% of patients can develop aseptic meningitis; a less common but more serious complication is encephalitis, which can result in death or disability. Permanent deafness, orchitis, and pancreatitis are other untoward effects of mumps. Based on data reported to WHO up to April 1998, mumps vaccine is routinely used by national immunization programmes in 82 countries/areas: 23 (92%) of 25 developed countries, 19 (86%) of 22 countries with economies in transition (mainly the Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union), and 40 (24%) of 168 developing countries. Countries that have achieved high coverage have shown a rapid decline in mumps morbidity. Furthermore, in many of these countries, mumps-associated encephalitis and deafness have nearly vanished. This review considers the disease burden due to mumps; summarizes studies on the immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety of different strains of mumps vaccine; and highlights lessons learned about implementing mumps immunization in different countries. Countries already using mumps vaccine should monitor immunization coverage and establish routine mumps surveillance with investigation of outbreaks. Where mumps is targeted for elimination, countries need to add a second dose of mumps vaccine for children, keeping in mind that the disease may still occur in susceptible adults.
Insights
Mumps vaccination significantly reduces disease burden, including severe complications like encephalitis and deafness. High vaccine coverage is crucial for controlling mumps outbreaks and protecting susceptible populations.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Mumps is an acute viral illness caused by a paramyxovirus, typically mild but with potential for severe complications.
- Complications include aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, permanent deafness, orchitis, and pancreatitis.
- Mumps vaccine is part of national immunization programs in 82 countries, with varying adoption rates globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the disease burden of mumps.
- To summarize mumps vaccine immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety.
- To highlight lessons learned from mumps immunization implementation worldwide.
Main Methods:
- Review of global data on mumps vaccine usage reported to WHO up to April 1998.
- Analysis of the impact of high vaccine coverage on mumps morbidity and complications.
- Synthesis of studies on various mumps vaccine strains and implementation strategies.
Main Results:
- Countries with high mumps vaccine coverage demonstrate a rapid decline in mumps incidence.
- Mumps-associated encephalitis and deafness have been nearly eliminated in highly vaccinated populations.
- Mumps vaccine implementation strategies vary across developed, transition, and developing countries.
Conclusions:
- Mumps vaccination is highly effective in reducing disease burden and severe complications.
- Continued monitoring of immunization coverage and surveillance are essential for countries using the vaccine.
- Targeting mumps elimination may require a second vaccine dose for children and addressing adult susceptibility.
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