Maryland Sees Rise in Mumps Cases, Raising Fertility and Meningitis Concerns

Baltimore doctor warns of serious complications from the viral infection, including infertility and life-threatening meningitis.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 2:57am

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The Maryland Department of Health has reported an increase in mumps cases so far in 2026, with 26 cases reported as of February 19th, 19 of which were confirmed and 7 were probable. A Baltimore pediatrician is warning that while mumps is typically a mild infection, it can lead to serious complications like swelling of the testicles or ovaries that can cause infertility, as well as the rare but dangerous progression to meningitis, a life-threatening illness requiring hospitalization.

Why it matters

Mumps outbreaks can have significant public health implications, especially for young adults who may not have received the recommended measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine doses. Raising awareness about the potential consequences of mumps infections is important to encourage vaccination and prompt medical care.

The details

According to Dr. Ashanti Woods, a pediatrician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, mumps can lead to a condition called orchitis, which is swelling of the testicles in young men, and swelling of the ovaries in young women. Each of these complications can potentially result in infertility issues. Additionally, mumps can rarely progress to meningitis, a very serious illness that requires hospitalization and intensive care.

  • As of February 19, 2026, the Maryland Department of Health has reported 26 mumps cases, 19 confirmed and 7 probable.

The players

Dr. Ashanti Woods

A pediatrician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore who is warning about the serious consequences of mumps infections.

Maryland Department of Health

The state health department that has reported an increase in mumps cases in Maryland so far in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Mumps that gets complicated can lead to something called orchitis, or swelling of the testicles for young men. It can also involve swelling of the ovaries for young women. Each of these can lead to infertility issues, but we also get concerned about mumps' rare progression to meningitis.”

— Dr. Ashanti Woods, Pediatrician, Mercy Medical Center

What’s next

Individuals who have not received the recommended doses of the MMR vaccine should consult with their doctor about getting vaccinated to protect against the potential serious consequences of mumps.

The takeaway

This outbreak highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases like mumps, which can have serious health implications, especially for young adults. Raising awareness about the risks can encourage people to get vaccinated and seek prompt medical care if they suspect they may have contracted mumps.