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Risk factors for mumps at a university with a large mumps outbreak

Angela S Huang1, Margaret M Cortese, Aaron T Curns

  • 1Epidemic Intelligence Service, Office of Workforce and Career Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.

Public Health Reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
|May 19, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

High measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage did not prevent a university mumps outbreak. Younger adults, those exposed to mumps, and dormitory residents faced higher risks, indicating a need for further investigation into transmission dynamics.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine significantly reduced mumps incidence in the U.S.
  • A notable resurgence of mumps cases occurred starting in 2006.
  • University settings have become focal points for mumps outbreaks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate a large mumps outbreak at a university.
  • To identify and assess risk factors associated with mumps disease in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive epidemiological approach was used to characterize the outbreak.
  • A case-control study was conducted, interviewing students with mumps and healthy controls.
  • Vaccination status and potential exposure histories were assessed and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The outbreak involved 174 students, with a mean age of 20.9 years; 65% were female.
  • Despite 99% two-dose MMR coverage among participants, younger age (18-19 years), reported mumps exposure, and on-campus work/volunteering were significant risk factors.
  • Female dormitory residents showed increased odds of contracting mumps compared to males in dormitories.

Conclusions:

  • High two-dose MMR vaccination rates were insufficient to prevent this university mumps outbreak.
  • Further research is required to elucidate the roles of dormitory residency and gender in mumps transmission.
  • Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for mumps in young adults with parotitis, irrespective of their immunization history.

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