Because of effective vaccination
in the Western world, mumps
had become a largely forgotten
illness in the United States—until now.
Although mumps is included in the
MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
vaccine, many health care facilities
have not ensured their employees’ immunity
to mumps, although vigilance
for measles and rubella has been maintained.
The recent mumps epidemic in
Iowa and eight neighboring states has
changed this perspective. The mumps
outbreak in Iowa illustrated the impact
infectious diseases thought to be eradicated
can have on a community. Occupational
health nurses in hospitals
must update their knowledge about
mumps, ensure immunity among
health care workers, and prepare their
facilities for the distinct possibility of
mumps re-emergence.