Mumps in Egypt

According to press reports there has been an outbreak of mumps in Egyptian schools scattered over a number of Governorates including Cairo and Alexandria but with the highest number being reported from Giza. The first reports appeared late in September and at the time human rights organizations expressed fears that the virus would spread due to the lack of preventative vaccines.

Mumps has been virtually eliminated from Australasia because of vigorous infant and school vaccination programs. However, unvaccinated individuals are in danger of infection when visiting countries where the disease still occurs. Those born before the mid-sixties are assumed to have acquired immunity due to exposure to the disease in the community and those born after 1981 should have been adequately vaccinated with two MMR vaccinations. If in doubt a single MMR vaccination is recommended before travelling outside Australia and New Zealand.