CDC, in collaboration with public health officials in numerous states in the Northeast, continues to investigate a multi-state mumps outbreak.

Who is affected: The Hasidic (Jewish) populations from New York and New Jersey are primarily affected. This outbreak is also occurring among members of the same population in Israel.

Why mumps transmission is a concern at this time: The onset of Passover (March 30th through April 5th) may offer further opportunities for mumps transmission as people from the Hasidic community travel for this major religious observance.

Recommendations for Providers:
• Healthcare providers with patients in any Hasidic community should ensure that these patients, including both children and adults, are up to date with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The second dose of MMR vaccine for children may be administered as early as 28 days followi ng the first dose.
• Healthcare providers may consider offering a second dose of MMR vaccine to adults who have received one dose.
• Healthcare providers who have contact within the Hasidic community should ensure that they themselves and ALL staff are immune to mumps in accordance with ACIP recommendations http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/provisional/downloads/mmr-evidence-immunity-Aug2009-508.pdf or receive two doses of MMR vaccine.
• Persons with suspected mumps should be isolated for 5 days after onset of parotitis and, if they visit a health-care setting, droplet precautions should be initiated immediately.
• Any suspected mumps case should be reported to the health department in the area where the case-patient resides.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)