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Seroepidemiology of the recent mumps virus outbreaks in Ireland

Jaythoon Hassan1, Jonathan Dean, Eibhlín Moss

  • 1National Virus Reference Laboratory, School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. jaythoon.hassan@ucd.ie

Journal of Clinical Virology : the Official Publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology
|January 25, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mumps infection shows a male bias, particularly in younger age groups. Adults aged 30 and over are increasingly affected, suggesting they may be key in maintaining mumps virus circulation.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Ireland experienced two significant mumps outbreaks in 2004/2005 and 2008/2009.
  • Understanding transmission dynamics is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze shifts in gender and age distribution of mumps cases.
  • To identify specific age groups responsible for sustained mumps virus circulation.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 2600 acute mumps infection cases.
  • Confirmation of infection using mumps-specific IgM in sera and oral fluids.
  • Assessment of prior immunity via mumps-specific IgG levels.

Main Results:

  • Mumps infection demonstrated a male predominance (approx. 2:1) in individuals aged 1-19.
  • A male bias (3:2) was noted in the 20-29 age group; no bias was observed in those 30+.
  • A notable increase in acute mumps cases was observed in the 30+ age group, especially between outbreaks (71.1% in 2007, 56.2% in 2010).
  • High seroprevalence of mumps virus IgG (93.1-100%) was consistent across all ages and genders.

Conclusions:

  • A male gender bias in acute mumps infection was confirmed.
  • The persistent rise in mumps cases among individuals 30 and older, particularly between outbreaks, indicates this demographic may be crucial for maintaining virus circulation.

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