Mumps virus vaccines: WHO position paper, 2007

Overview

Mumps (parotitis epidemica) is a viral infection of humans, primarily affecting the salivary glands. Although it is mostly a mild childhood disease, with peak incidence occurring among those aged 5–9 years, the mumps virus may also affect adults, among whom complications such as meningitis and orchitis are relatively more common. Encephalitis and permanent neurological sequelae are rare complications. In most parts of the world, the annual incidence of mumps in the absence of immunization is in the range of 100–1000 cases/100 000 population, with epidemic peaks every 2–5 years. Natural infection with this virus is thought to confer lifelong protection.