CDC update on Midwest mumps outbreak
Yesterday, the MMWR website posted a dispatch with an update on the mumps outbreak in the Midwest followed by a discussion of possible causes.
Through 2 May, 2,597 cases have been reported, 57% of which coming from Iowa. Fortunately, no more than 25 hospitalizations can be attributed to mumps among these cases, with no deaths.
Among the possible causes for the outbreak discussed in an accompanying editorial note are: 1) the close quarters of college dormitories, 2) the absence of 2-dose MMR vaccination requirements for college attendance in 8 of the 11 states affected, 3) delayed recognition of mumps by younger physicians with limited exposure (so to speak) to it or physicians not initially suspecting mumps among vaccinated patients, both leading to more time for transmission to occur, and 4) the long-known fact that the vaccine is less than 100% effective at preventing disease.
Through 2 May, 2,597 cases have been reported, 57% of which coming from Iowa. Fortunately, no more than 25 hospitalizations can be attributed to mumps among these cases, with no deaths.
Among the possible causes for the outbreak discussed in an accompanying editorial note are: 1) the close quarters of college dormitories, 2) the absence of 2-dose MMR vaccination requirements for college attendance in 8 of the 11 states affected, 3) delayed recognition of mumps by younger physicians with limited exposure (so to speak) to it or physicians not initially suspecting mumps among vaccinated patients, both leading to more time for transmission to occur, and 4) the long-known fact that the vaccine is less than 100% effective at preventing disease.
posted by J. Schwartz at 11:12 AM
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