Mumps in New Zealand (Update 3)
27 Dec 2017
On 20 December 2017 the Auckland Regional Public Health Service 
reported a total of 1031 cases of mumps in the continuing outbreak in the Auckland area.
Clinical Director, Dr Julia Peters has expressed concern about low vaccination rates in the 10 to 29 years age group in which the majority of cases has been reported. Around 80 percent of cases in the outbreak have not been not fully vaccinated.
Advice to travellers
Mumps is still common in much of Asia, Africa, the Indian sub-continent and South America. More recently there have been outbreaks of mumps in many developed countries such as New Zealand, the US, Australia and several European countries including Spain and the UK. The risk is greater when living or working with local people or travelling for large gatherings (e.g. sporting and music events).
The two vaccines that protect against mumps are combined with measles and rubella (MMR). Currently used vaccines in the UK are: M-M-RVAXPRO and Priorix. MMR vaccine is usually given to children as part of the national childhood schedule, in infancy and prior to starting school. Two doses of vaccine give long-lasting protection against all three diseases.
Individuals should ensure that they have received two doses of MMR prior to travel to areas where the risk of mumps is high. Those who were born between 1980 and 1990 may not have received two doses of MMR vaccine. Individuals born between this time should check with their GP to ensure that they have received vaccination. Prior infection with mumps will provide lifelong immunity against that particular disease.
For further information see Mumps.