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Mumps vaccination of young adults is unwarranted
Abstract:
A clinical and epidemiological study of mumps was carried out over a 18-month period and included 104 soldiers (61% of the reported cases in the Israel Defence Forces). The average number of days off work was 12.9 +/- 9.2 days. The most common complication was orchitis (19/72 men; 26%), followed by 3 cases of pancreatitis (3%) and 2 cases of meningitis (2%). 13 men with orchitis were tested, and all had normal spermograms. No long term important sequelae were described. The transmission rate was low with no respondent reporting more than one secondary case among soldiers serving in the same unit. The socio-economic level of mumps patients was comparable to that of the general army population at the time of the study. Our data do not support a mass immunization program of the adult population.
Insights
Mumps outbreaks in soldiers showed low transmission and few serious complications like orchitis, with no long-term effects on fertility. The study suggests mass adult immunization is not supported by these findings.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mumps is a viral illness that can affect adults.
- Understanding mumps epidemiology in military populations is important for public health.
- Previous studies on mumps in adults have varied findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a clinical and epidemiological study of mumps in a military population.
- To assess the complications, transmission rates, and long-term sequelae of mumps in soldiers.
- To evaluate the need for mass immunization programs in the adult population.
Main Methods:
- A 18-month clinical and epidemiological study.
- Inclusion of 104 soldiers, representing 61% of reported cases in the Israel Defence Forces.
- Data collection on days off work, complications, and transmission.
Main Results:
- The average sick leave was 12.9 days.
- Orchitis was the most common complication (26%), followed by pancreatitis (3%) and meningitis (2%).
- No long-term sequelae were observed, and all tested individuals with orchitis had normal spermograms. Transmission rate was low.
Conclusions:
- Mumps in this military cohort had a low transmission rate and generally mild outcomes.
- The observed complications, such as orchitis, did not lead to significant long-term sequelae like infertility.
- The findings do not support a widespread mumps immunization program for the adult population.