The Travel Health and Vaccine Specialists

Health Alert


LEVEL 1 - PRACTICE USUAL PRECAUTIONS

Mumps in Scotland

Updated November 24, 2015

What is the current situation?

As of March 22, 2015, Health Protection Scotland has reported 242 confirmed mumps cases in 2015. This is an increase from the 45 cases reported during the same period in 2014. The outbreak of mumps is linked to cases in educational establishments and the community.

CDC recommends that travelers to Scotland(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/united-kingdom) protect themselves by making sure they are vaccinated against mumps before travel.

What can travelers do to prevent mumps?

Get a mumps vaccine:

  • People who cannot show that they were vaccinated as children and who have never had mumps should be vaccinated. People who were born before 1957 are considered to be immune to mumps because they likely had mumps as children.
  • The only mumps vaccines available in the United States are the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccines.
  • Adolescents and adults born during or after 1957 who are traveling internationally who have not been vaccinated with MMR and who do not have laboratory evidence of mumps immunity should get 2 doses, at least 28 days apart.
  • Children 12 months of age or older should have 2 doses, at least 28 days apart.
  • MMR vaccine has been used safely and effectively since the 1970s. Few people experience mild, temporary adverse reactions, such as joint pain, from the vaccine, and serious side effects are extremely rare. (Please note: no link between MMR vaccine and autism has been found).
    • Two doses of this vaccine are nearly 90% effective at preventing mumps.
  • See Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) for more information.

Practice hygiene and cleanliness:

  • Wash your hands often.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid close contact, such as kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or cups, with people who are sick.

If you feel sick and think you may have mumps:

Traveler Information

Clinician Information