Mumps Outbreak Hits San Diego State University, Affecting Vaccinated Athletes
A mumps outbreak at San Diego State University (SDSU) has increased to 15 cases, involving a student athletic team. Officials confirmed that all affected individuals had received the MMR vaccine, raising questions about the longevity of vaccine immunity and the…
San Diego, CA, September 30, 2026 —
San Diego State University (SDSU) is currently experiencing a mumps outbreak, with confirmed cases rising to 15. The outbreak has notably affected a student athletic team on campus.
In a development that has prompted further investigation into vaccine efficacy, officials confirmed that all individuals who have contracted mumps were previously vaccinated with the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. This detail is raising questions among health experts regarding the duration of immunity provided by the MMR vaccine and the potential necessity for booster shots.
Mumps is a contagious viral illness that can cause swelling of the salivary glands, fever, headache, and fatigue. While the MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing mumps, no vaccine is 100% effective. The current situation at SDSU highlights the complexities of infectious disease control, particularly in settings where individuals are in close proximity, such as athletic teams.
Public health officials are monitoring the situation closely. The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing, focusing on understanding transmission patterns and evaluating the implications of vaccinated individuals contracting the illness. Further information regarding public health recommendations or interventions is expected as the situation develops. The specific athletic team affected has not been publicly identified.
Story summarized from the original created by Heidi de Marco on www.kpbs.org, see more information here.
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