Maryland Reports Rise in Mumps Cases

State health officials say overall risk is low due to high vaccination rates.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 10:55am

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The Maryland Department of Health has confirmed an increase in mumps cases in the state this year, with 19 confirmed and 7 probable cases reported as of February 19. The overall risk to the public is considered low given Maryland's high vaccination rate, but health officials are urging residents to ensure they are up-to-date on the MMR vaccine.

Why it matters

Mumps is a contagious viral illness that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. While the overall risk is low in Maryland due to high vaccination rates, an increase in cases is still concerning and highlights the importance of maintaining high immunization levels to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

The details

The recent mumps cases have been occurring primarily in adults in the Baltimore metropolitan area, although the illness can affect any age group. There is currently no single identified link between the cases, but the Department of Health is investigating. Mumps has no specific treatment aside from managing fever and pain, and most patients recover fully, though serious complications like inflammation of the testicles, ovaries, or brain can occur.

  • As of February 19, 2026, there are a total of 26 mumps cases reported in the state.

The players

Maryland Department of Health

The state agency responsible for monitoring and responding to public health issues in Maryland.

Meg Sullivan

Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services at the Maryland Department of Health.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Meg Sullivan, Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services

What’s next

The Maryland Department of Health is continuing to investigate the recent increase in mumps cases to determine if there is a common link between the affected individuals.

The takeaway

This rise in mumps cases underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect public health, especially for vaccine-preventable diseases like mumps. Residents are encouraged to ensure they and their families are up-to-date on the MMR vaccine to prevent the spread of this contagious illness.