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Mumps Sees Small U.S. Resurgence as Maryland Reports Cluster and Berkeley High Confirms On‑Campus Spread

Waning immunity is enabling localized transmission in close‑contact settings despite broad MMR coverage.

Overview

  • CDC data show 34 mumps cases across 11 U.S. jurisdictions as of late February, indicating a limited but real uptick.
  • Maryland health officials issued an alert after logging 26 cases this year as of February 19, including 19 confirmed and seven probable.
  • Berkeley High reported a second case believed to have been contracted on campus on February 19–20, raising exposure risk from low to moderate.
  • Two MMR doses reduce mumps risk by about 86%, yet protection can wane and breakthrough infections can occur in schools, colleges and other close‑contact environments.
  • Public health guidance urges verifying MMR status, catching up on missed doses and, during defined outbreaks, considering a third dose for people at increased risk.