Mumps

35 cases in 2024 — near the 5-year baseline of ~312.

What is it?

Mumps is a viral infection caused by a paramyxovirus. NYS had 35 cases in 2024. While rare in the vaccine era, mumps outbreaks continue to occur — notably on college campuses and in closely knit communities — because vaccine-induced immunity wanes over time and because the MMR vaccine is about 88% effective against mumps (compared to near-100% for measles).

How it spreads

Spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with saliva from an infected person. Mumps is contagious from 2 days before symptoms appear until 5 days after swelling begins. Living in close quarters (dormitories, sports teams) facilitates spread.

Symptoms

Swollen, painful parotid glands (the salivary glands near the jaw, causing puffy cheeks and jaw pain), fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Complications include orchitis (testicular swelling, in up to 38% of post-pubertal males), oophoritis, meningitis, and rarely deafness.

Who is at risk?

Unvaccinated individuals. People in close-contact settings such as college students, military personnel, and athletes. Vaccine-induced immunity can wane, making previously vaccinated adults vulnerable during outbreaks.

What you can do

Vaccine information

Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 88% effective against mumps, 97% against measles, and 97% against rubella. A third dose may be recommended during outbreaks.

Based on NYSDOH annual communicable disease report. Threat level reflects 2024 case counts compared to the 5-year baseline.