Mumps spread in the capital area
14th February 2024
In early February, mumps was diagnosed in the capital area and now a person with a connection to the first case has also been diagnosed with mumps.
Mumps has become a relatively rare disease in Iceland, having been vaccinated generally since 1989 (cohorts 1988 and later; later added second dose for the same target group). However, since 2000, the disease has spread on several occasions, mainly in people born in 1985–1987 and therefore vaccination with MMR for these cohorts has been encouraged since 2015. Older cohorts are considered generally resistant due to frequent mumps epidemics that lasted until 1984.
Routes of transmission
Mumps is a respiratory infection due to the mumps virus that spreads like a cold or influenza, through direct respiratory spray during coughing or sneezing, or direct contact with aerosol-contaminated surfaces such as door handles. Mumps virus quickly inactivates outside the body, there is no risk of mumps among people who were simultaneously ill in waiting rooms and the like without proximity.
The incubation period for mumps is about 3 weeks. People in close contact with the first case were informed earlier in February, and unvaccinated people in that group were advised to stay away from other people during the incubation period to reduce the risk of further spread.
Symptoms
The first symptoms are respiratory, weakness, and fever. A distinctive feature of mumps is a pronounced inflammation of the salivary glands, usually in front of the ear, usually on one side but can occur on both sides. Mumps can also cause encephalitis (characterized by headache, seizures, and/or changes in consciousness), pancreatitis (characterized by abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite), or inflammation of the gonads (testes and ovaries). Testicular and ovarian inflammation occur preferably in mumps after puberty and can lead to infertility. The most common complication of mumps with permanent effects is hearing loss.
Prevention
Vaccination against mumps is the most effective protection. Vaccinated with a combined vaccine, with measles and rubella vaccines. On other ways to reduce the risk of infection, such as treating infected people, you can read on the website of the Directorate of Health, under Mumps.
Post-exposure vaccination is not beneficial in preventing mumps illness, therefore vaccination of people with known exposure is not recommended until at least 3 weeks after last contact with an infectious person. However, it is appropriate that unvaccinated or under-vaccinated household members, schoolmates, and colleagues of the exposed receive vaccination as soon as possible, to reduce the risk of further spread. Vaccination is not recommended for those who have had mumps, unless they lack measles vaccination.
Who should receive MMR vaccination for mumps in the local area without direct exposure:
Previously obviously unvaccinated (no dose) individuals born 1980–2023 who have reached 6 months of age at the time of vaccination.
Persons born 1988–2011 who have received only one dose of MMR vaccine
Healthcare workers who have not reliably received two doses of MMR vaccine, born 1970–2000.
Emergency health workers who have received two doses of MMR but 10 years have passed since dose #2 may receive a third dose.
Who should not get MMR vaccination:
Pregnant.
Immunocompromised (compromised cellular immune response) – the most common cause of suppression of cellular immunity is using immunosuppressive medicines (steroids, chemotherapy, and biologics).
Age under 6 months.
Gelatin allergy.
People already vaccinated with two doses of MMR who are not working in acute health care.
Vaccinations are carried out in healthcare centers and the healthcare provider must be contacted during daytime working hours, e.g. in a message or online chat on Heilsuvera, to get information about access, advice, or time for vaccination.
The news has been updated.
The Chief Epidemiologist