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Mumps in a boarding school: description of an outbreak and control measures

Douglas G Mackenzie1, George Craig, Nicholas F Hallam

  • 1Public Health Department, NHS Fife, Cameron House, Windygates, Leven, Fife KY8 5RG. gm@nhs.net

The British Journal of General Practice : the Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
|July 13, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mumps outbreaks can disrupt school life, highlighting the need for complete vaccination. Two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine offer the best protection against mumps infection.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • The UK experienced a rise in mumps cases during 2004-2005.
  • Understanding mumps susceptibility is crucial for effective control strategies.
  • A mumps outbreak occurred in a Scottish boarding school from October to November 2004.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize cases during a mumps outbreak.
  • To investigate the impact of prior measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination through a case-control study.

Main Methods:

  • Descriptive epidemiological analysis.
  • Utilized clinical, laboratory, and surveillance data.
  • Conducted a matched case-control study within a private boarding school of 600 pupils.

Main Results:

  • Fifty mumps cases were reported, with 40% confirmed virologically.
  • Cases were predominantly individuals born between 1987-1991.
  • MMR vaccination showed a protective effect (OR=0.7), with two doses offering the best protection (OR=0.5), though not statistically significant due to study size.

Conclusions:

  • Incomplete vaccination leaves some children and young people vulnerable to mumps.
  • Mumps outbreaks can significantly disrupt school operations and student life.
  • Recommends two MMR vaccine doses before school entry and additional doses for those born between 1979-1991.

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