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Mumps epidemiology in the mid-west of Ireland 2004-2008: increasing disease burden in the university/college setting

D Whyte1, F O'Dea, C McDonnell

  • 1Department of Public Health, Health Service Executive (West), Limerick, Ireland. dominic.whyte@hse.ie

Euro Surveillance : Bulletin Europeen Sur Les Maladies Transmissibles = European Communicable Disease Bulletin
|April 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Mumps outbreaks are resurging in college students despite widespread childhood measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination. Many affected students did not recall receiving two MMR doses, highlighting the need for optimal vaccination uptake.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Mumps is a contagious, vaccine-preventable viral illness with recent outbreaks in higher education settings.
  • Despite established childhood immunization programs including the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, mumps resurgence is occurring globally.
  • Ireland reported significant mumps case numbers in 2008 and early 2009, indicating a regional increase.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the recent epidemiology of mumps in Ireland's Mid-West region.
  • To highlight and evaluate preventive strategies against mumps transmission in educational institutions.
  • To assess MMR vaccination status among affected individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Enhanced surveillance data analysis from the Mid-West region of Ireland.
  • Review of notified mumps cases, including clinical presentation and vaccination history.
  • Assessment of implemented public health interventions in school and college settings.

Main Results:

  • The majority of mumps cases in the Irish Mid-West were concentrated in the 15-24 year age group.
  • A significant proportion of cases lacked laboratory confirmation, emphasizing the importance of reporting suspected cases.
  • Over half of surveyed cases did not recall receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine, though most recalled at least one dose.

Conclusions:

  • Optimal MMR vaccination coverage is crucial for preventing mumps outbreaks in college populations.
  • Enhanced awareness campaigns and prompt implementation of preventive measures like contact vaccination and isolation are vital.
  • Continued surveillance and reporting of suspected mumps cases are necessary for effective public health response.

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