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Epidemiology of mumps in the Netherlands

J H Wagenvoort, M Harmsen, B J Boutahar-Trouw

    The Journal of Hygiene
    |December 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    Mumps virus infection is common in childhood, with most children acquiring it by age 14. Neutralizing antibodies indicate lifelong immunity, though antibody levels decline over time after infection.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Immunology
    • Epidemiology

    Background:

    • Mumps is a contagious viral illness. Understanding population immunity is crucial for public health.
    • Previous studies have indicated varying levels of mumps immunity across different demographics.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the prevalence of neutralizing antibodies against mumps virus in a Dutch population.
    • To investigate the age-specific acquisition rates of mumps.
    • To assess antibody persistence and transmission within families.

    Main Methods:

    • Plaque reduction technique used to quantify neutralizing antibodies in serum samples.
    • Analysis of sera from approximately 800 children and 1000 adults.
    • Family-based study to observe mumps transmission dynamics.

    Main Results:

    • Mumps acquisition peaks between ages four and six, with over 90% of children infected by age 14.
    • Over 95% of adults aged 18-65 possess neutralizing antibodies, suggesting lifelong persistence.
    • Family studies revealed high attack rates (0.71) in households with index cases, though some individuals, including infants, remained uninfected.

    Conclusions:

    • Mumps is a widespread childhood infection in the studied Dutch population.
    • High antibody prevalence in adults indicates robust and likely lifelong immunity post-infection.
    • While antibodies decline after childhood, they appear to persist, with potential for booster responses in exposed adults.

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