BALTIMORE — Maryland health officials are alerting medical providers to a rise in mumps cases across the state, with 14 cases reported so far in 2026 compared with four cases during all of 2025.
In a Feb. 18 memo to EMS clinicians, the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems said the recent cases have occurred primarily among adults in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Officials cautioned that mumps can affect people of any age and that additional cases could emerge elsewhere in the state.
Mumps is a viral illness that commonly causes fever along with pain, tenderness and swelling of the salivary glands near the jaw, known as parotitis. The swelling may appear on one or both sides of the face and typically lasts three to seven days, though symptoms can persist up to 10 days.
The virus spreads through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose or throat. Health officials noted that individuals can be infectious beginning two days before the onset of gland swelling and up to five days afterward. The incubation period — the time between exposure and symptoms — can range from two to three weeks.
While many cases resolve without serious effects, complications can include meningitis, encephalitis, pancreatitis, hearing loss, and inflammation of the testicles, ovaries or breasts. Complications are less common among vaccinated individuals.
State health leaders are reminding clinicians to use droplet and standard precautions when treating suspected cases, including wearing a surgical mask, gown, gloves and eye protection, and asking patients to wear a surgical mask.
Vaccination remains the most effective protection against mumps, officials said. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for children as part of the routine immunization schedule. Adults born after 1957 who have not received the MMR vaccine should receive two doses spaced at least four weeks apart.
Health officials encourage residents to ensure their vaccinations are up to date and to contact a healthcare provider if they experience symptoms consistent with mumps. Additional information about symptoms, transmission and vaccination recommendations is available through the Maryland Department of Health.
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A great idea is to keep listening to walking typhoid himself RFK jr as he’s trying to kill you by saying vaccines are bad. Anyway… I’ll be the pincushion without MM or R.
Stick me with that syringe.