Baltimore, MD (Feb. 19, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Health has confirmed an increase in mumps cases in the state. As of February 19, there are a total of 26 cases reported in 2026: 19 confirmed and 7 probable cases. The overall risk to the public is considered low given Maryland’s high vaccination rate against the disease.
“The most effective prevention against a mumps infection is to get the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella or MMR vaccine, a two-dose series that is routinely recommended at 12–15 months of age for the first dose and the second dose at 4–6 years old,” said Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Meg Sullivan. “Talk with your health care provider about whether you and your family are up to date with the MMR vaccine. It is the most effective way to protect against all three viruses.”
Mumps is a vaccine-preventable viral infection that can spread through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets. Mumps is not considered to be as contagious as measles. Symptoms appear about 2 to 4 weeks after exposure. The recent cases have been occurring primarily in adults in the Baltimore metropolitan area, although mumps cases can occur in any age group and throughout the state. In coordination with local health officials, the department is investigating whether there may be a link between the cases, but to date, no single link has been identified.
The most common symptom of mumps is parotitis, a painful swelling of glands on one or both sides of the face that may be tender or painful, along with fever. While this swelling is a characteristic feature of mumps infection, other commonly circulating respiratory pathogens, including influenza, can also cause parotitis. Parotitis from mumps may be preceded by low-grade fever, loss of appetite, malaise, and respiratory symptoms, and usually lasts three to seven days.
There is no specific medicine to treat mumps aside from fever and pain relief. Most patients experience a full recovery, although serious complications can occur and may require immediate medical attention, including inflammation of the testicles, ovaries or breasts, pancreatitis, hearing loss, meningitis, and encephalitis. Some of these complications are more common in adults.
The MMR vaccine is covered for those with health insurance and through the Vaccines for Children program. Adults who are uninsured or underinsured can check with their local health department about the availability of a free MMR vaccine as part of the Maryland Vaccine Program. The MMR vaccine will not only protect against mumps, but also against measles, which is currently circulating both in the United States and internationally.
If someone develops symptoms of mumps, they should contact their health care provider or local health department immediately to be evaluated and if needed, tested for mumps and/or other infections.
