2026 Local Mumps Situation

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Page originally published 9/21/2026.

Mumps is a contagious viral illness that spreads easily in close-contact settings, typically within three feet. It can spread through kissing, sharing food or drinks, or exposure coughs or sneezes. People are contagious for two days before symptoms appear and while they are ill.

  • Mumps symptoms include body aches, loss of appetite, fatigue, headache, and fever followed by swelling of the salivary glands in the cheeks, testicles (orchitis), the ovaries (oophoritis) and can progress to infection in and around the brain (meningitis/encephalitis). 
  • Inflammation of the reproductive organs can lead to sterility in both males and females.

Vaccination is the most effective strategy to prevent and control mumps outbreaks, however it is known that immunity may wane over time.

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Updates

County Public Health Services (PHS) has confirmed a mumps outbreak at San Diego State University (SDSU).

  • As of Sept. 18, five confirmed and probable cases have been identified, all among student athletes on a single team. 
  • The first known symptom onset began on Sept. 6, with the case confirmed this week.

Public Health Services is collaborating with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and SDSU officials for management of the outbreak, including testing of known close contacts of people who are ill.

For more information, please visit Fall 2026 Mumps Outbreak Information (SDSU Student Health Services).

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Communications

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Call the Immunization Unit at (866) 358-2966, or send an email, for more information.