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Temporary Closure of Inpatient Ward due to Mumps Virus Reinfection in Elderly Patient
Takanori Sugiura1, Taiki Suzuki1, Yasutaka Itou1
1Department of Oral Medicine, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tokyo Dental College.
Abstract:
We report a case of suspected reinfection with the mumps virus in an elderly patient which resulted in temporary closure of an inpatient ward. A 65-year-old man with colorectal cancer was admitted to the digestive surgery ward at our hospital to undergo a stoma closure operation. He was subsequently referred to our department with right swelling in the preauricular region on postoperative day 4. The swelling subsided within a few days, and the patient was discharged. A serum titer test revealed a high level of antibodies to the mumps virus, however. Therefore, staff who had come into close contact with the patient were examined and the decision taken to stop admitting new patients to the ward. When symptoms are detected in a patient has already had mumps, it is important to consider the possibility of reinfection. Furthermore, it is necessary for medical workers to undergo a serum antibody test to the mumps virus and receive a further vaccination if antibody levels are too low to confer immunity.
Insights
Mumps reinfection in an elderly patient led to a hospital ward closure. Healthcare workers should test for mumps antibodies and revaccinate if immunity is low to prevent outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Mumps is a contagious viral illness typically characterized by fever and swelling of the salivary glands.
- While mumps is often considered a childhood disease, cases in adults, including potential reinfections, can occur.
- Elderly patients and immunocompromised individuals may be at higher risk for severe outcomes or atypical presentations of mumps.
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