Mumps outbreak in some areas in United States

The total number of suspected and confirmed cases in the country’s largest outbreak is 1,028 in Arkansas alone. The affected places in Arkansas include the north western counties of Benton, Madison, New York and Washington. Most cases are in adults and children who have been vaccinated. Through the end of October, more than 2,800 cases have been reported nationwide, a number that exceeds the total mumps cases reported in all of 2010, the previous high.

Advice

Travellers are reminded that outbreaks of the highly contagious mumps virus can occur anywhere in the world at any time. Travellers can reduce their risk of exposure to this virus by ensuring that their childhood vaccinations, including measles, are up-to-date prior to travelling.