Mumps in a Northeast Metropolitan Community

Harris, R. W., C D. Turnbull, P. Isacson (2211 Main St., Buffalo, N. Y. 14214), D. T. Karzon, W. Winkelstein, Jr. Mumps in a northeast metropolitan community. I. Epidemiology of clinical mumps. Amer. J. Epid., 1968, 88: 224–233.—A stratified random sample of households, drawn from a northeast metropolitan community, was surveyed during April, 1967, for their past mumps experience. Ten % of those under 5 years of age and 33% of those 5–9 years related a past history of mumps. The peak age incidence of clinically apparent mumps was 7 years. Seventy-four % of the reported mumps cases occurred by age 10, while only 5% occurred after age 20. Of the 3 geographic areas, the rates of mumps histories were highest in the rural stratum. Negroes reported higher rates as well as a tendency to acquire mumps at an earlier age. For the total sample, mumps was also reported as occurring at an earlier age in males; while among those under 5 years of age, there was a 2 to 1 male predominance in the reported frequency of past mumps infection. Children with an older sibling also acquired mumps at an earlier age. There was no evidence of cyclicity in the incidence of mumps over the past 20 years. The importance of the young school aged child in the epidemiology of mumps in the home and community is stressed.