Currently Maryland is the hotspot...
Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health has confirmed an increase in mumps cases in the state. As of February 19, there are a total of 26 cases reported in 2026: 19 confirmed and 7 probable cases. The overall risk to the public is considered low given Maryland's high vaccination rate against the disease.
LINK:https://health.maryland.gov/newsroom/Pages/Maryland%20Department%20of%20Health%20reports%20increase%20in%20mumps%20cases.aspxNote: Will mumps become a widespread problem as measles is?
... mumps is occurring outside of Maryland...
. While Maryland has reported a recent surge with 26 cases as of February 19, 2026, national data from the CDC indicates that mumps has been detected in at least 11 U.S. jurisdictions, with 34 cases reported nationwide as of late February 2026
COMMENT: I always ask about mutations since anything widespread is liable to mutate more ..so if it does indeed mutate, will current vaccines and treatments possibly become rendered useless or less effective or not is concerning for all people in my opinion...
"the mumps virus can and does mutate
, just like all RNA viruses, resulting in 12 known distinct strains or genotypes. While the MMR vaccine (based on the A strain) still provides broad protection, ongoing mutations—particularly in the Small Hydrophobic (SH) protein—can cause the virus to evolve, potentially impacting vaccine effectiveness and diagnostic testing"
.. so anytime there is an large outbreak of a diseases that mutate there is more chance of vaccines becoming ineffectual.
