State health officials say there are now 26 cases of mumps in Maryland, nearly double last week’s figure and more than six times the tally for all of last year.
The cases, typified by swollen glands on both sides of the face, are largely in adults in the Baltimore area. But officials say they have not yet found specific links between the people. One infection has been tied to international travel.
Patients’ vaccination status isn’t known in many cases, officials with the Maryland Department of Health said. They are urging the public to check with their doctors about getting a shot. It’s the same one for measles, a far more contagious viral infection that is spreading rapidly in other states — but not yet in Maryland.
“The most effective prevention against a mumps infection is to get the measles, mumps, and rubella or MMR vaccine,” Dr. Meg Sullivan, the state deputy secretary of public health services, said in a statement.
Officials say the risk to the public remains low because most people in Maryland are vaccinated. The protective shots continue to be recommended at the federal and state levels.
Children typically get the two-shot series in stages: first close to age 1 and then before they turn 6. Maryland public schools also require the vaccination, with some exemptions.
Mumps is spread through saliva, often when someone coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear in two to four weeks.
There is no specific treatment, but people can treat pain and discomfort with over-the-counter medications, fluids and rest. Complications may include encephalitis, meningitis or hearing loss. Encephalitis and meningitis are inflammatory conditions that affect the brain and the tissues around the brain and spinal cord, respectively.
On Feb. 10, officials notified providers of 14 confirmed and suspected cases and urged them to be on the lookout for symptoms and to report any more infections.
Maryland had just four mumps cases in 2025, and state data shows few cases in years prior.
There have not been widespread reports of mumps in other states, though measles has surged in several states around the country in the past year.
Maryland has not had a case of the far more contagious measles since March.
Officials at the Maryland Department of Health declined to provide any more information about affected patients, citing privacy concerns.