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Regional outbreak of mumps due to genotype H in Korea in 1999

Joo-Yeon Lee1, Byoung-Kuk Na, Jee-Hee Kim

  • 1Laboratory of Respiratory Viruses, Department of Virology, National Institute of Health, Seoul, Korea.

Journal of Medical Virology
|March 26, 2004
PubMed

Insights

A 1999 mumps outbreak in Korea revealed genotype H strains, impacting vaccinated children. Serological tests confirmed mumps virus presence, even months after symptom onset, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Mumps outbreaks pose a public health concern, particularly in school-aged children.
  • Understanding the genetic diversity and serological response to mumps virus is crucial for effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate a mumps outbreak in Yoeju County, Korea, during 1999.
  • To characterize the mumps virus strains involved and assess the immune response in affected children.

Main Methods:

  • Serological testing (IgM and IgG) using enzyme immunoassay on 736 children's sera.
  • Virological analysis, including sequence analysis of the small hydrophobic (SH) gene from isolated mumps viruses.
  • Clinical and serological diagnosis confirmation.

Main Results:

  • Overall IgM and IgG positive rates were 7.6% and 69.8%, respectively.
  • Mumps virus strains were identified as genotype H, distinct from European strains.
  • Breakthrough infections occurred in vaccinated children, including those who received two doses.

Conclusions:

  • The study identified genotype H mumps virus as the cause of the 1999 outbreak in Korea.
  • The findings underscore the potential for mumps virus to cause outbreaks even in vaccinated populations.
  • This research provides valuable insights into recent mumps outbreaks in Korea and the circulating viral genotypes.

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