South Africans have been warned of a mumps outbreak in the country.  This was confirmed by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). 

The viral infection is said to be suppressed with vaccination and mostly attacks children between the ages of 5 and 9.

OUTBREAK RIFE

The outbreak has been detected in three provinces, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KZN. The NICD said that mumps reporting has been inconsistent, as it is not classified as a notifiable medical condition (NMC) and is not included in any formal surveillance programme.

"Since February 2023, the NICD has received a number of queries related to possible clusters or outbreaks of mumps in different provinces," the organisation said in a statement. "To limit transmission during an outbreak, in countries where mumps vaccination is universally available, public health authorities may recommend an additional dose of the combination measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine for people who belong to groups at increased risk for getting mumps," the NICD said.

Based on the review, the NICD found that the annual percent-positivity for 2023 is 69%, compared to 39% in 2019 (the previous peak).

The tests also showed an increase in positive tests among those aged four and younger (84% in 2023) and the five- to nine-year age category (83%).

INCREASE VACCINATION

The statement added that those who are likely to have close contact, such as sharing sports equipment or drinks, kissing, or living together, with a person who has mumps must seek intervention. "As the MMR vaccine as an intervention is not universally available in South Africa, it is best to seek the advice of your local healthcare provider," read the statement.