Mumps outbreak at Texas jail despite vaccination

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http://www.kens5.com/news/Mumps-outbreak-contained-but-still-a-mystery-99804994.html

Posted on August 2, 2010 at 7:37 PM

Updated Monday, Aug 2 at 8:04 PM


SAN ANTONIO - Local health officials said the mumps outbreak at the Bexar County Jail appears to be contained, but many are still scratching their heads over where it all started.
The Metro Health Department confirmed 10 cases of mumps -- nine of them at the county jail.

After reviewing the medical history of the infected inmates, health officials discovered some of the inmates had been vaccinated for the mumps, and others even had the disease before and yet they came down with it again.

"Most people have to understand that there is no vaccine that is 100% effective," said Bryan Alsip, a doctor with the Metro Health Department. "But the most reassuring thing is we haven't seen a large number. That's probably a statement to the success of the vaccine."

The health department sent samples off to the Center for Disease Control to be tested and thereby determine if this is a new type of mumps.

Dr. Alsip said adjustments to the vaccine will be made if necessary.

 

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Re: Mumps outbreak at Texas jail despite vaccination

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/mumps_outbreaks_show_its_hard_to_eradicate_99638004.html

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An outbreak of mumps here in recent weeks may not spread much further, health officials believe, but it serves as a reminder that the infection once a rite of passage for generations of swollen-cheeked schoolchildren stubbornly refuses to go away ? despite a vaccine.
Ten cases of mumps in adult men, ranging from their early 20s to 80, were reported in Bexar County last week. Nine were inmates at the Bexar County Jail, and the 10th and oldest was a close contact of an inmate.

Medical records show at least several had been vaccinated or had contracted mumps years ago. Two required hospitalization. An 11th, unrelated case was reported in May.

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