The Maryland Department of Health has reported 19 confirmed cases of mumps, along with seven probable cases, as of February 19 this year. This is a noticeable increase from just four confirmed cases in 2025.
Most of the recent infections have occurred among adults in the Baltimore region, prompting the health department to investigate any potential connections among the cases.
According to Dr. Mettassebia “Metti” Kanno, an infectious disease specialist with the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, mumps spreads through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets. He noted that it’s not believed to be as contagious as measles.
Initial symptoms of mumps can resemble those of an upper respiratory infection, including a mild fever and a reduced appetite.
Kanno highlighted that the signature symptom of mumps is the painful swelling of the glands located on one or both sides of the face, specifically in front of the ear and between the ear and the jawline.
Although there’s no specific treatment for mumps, most individuals recover in about two weeks. However, the Maryland Department of Health cautioned that serious complications could occur, such as inflammation of the testicles, ovaries, or breasts, pancreatitis, hearing loss, meningitis, and encephalitis. These complications tend to be more prevalent in adults.
The department reassured the public that the risk remains low, largely due to the state’s high vaccination rates.
The most effective way to prevent mumps is by receiving the two-dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is usually recommended for children. The first dose is generally given between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose when the child is between 4 and 6 years old.
Individuals born before 1957 are typically regarded as immune to these diseases. For those born afterward who think they were vaccinated but lack proof, Kanno suggested getting at least one booster shot. Adults who have never been vaccinated should receive two doses.
