The prevalence of antibodies against mumps in 333 students at
Jordan University was assessed using the ELISA technique. Most
of the students (93.7%) were seropositive for mumps. About 50%
of unvaccinated students and students vaccinated using the
optional single-dose MMR vaccine had mumps. The incidence rate
of mumps in different age groups and sexes, the geographic
distribution and the seasonality of mumps infection prior to the
adoption of compulsory MMR vaccination were investigated during
the period from 1988 to 2000. Mumps occurred in all age groups
in both sexes and the incidence rate was higher in children aged
5-14 years than in adults. There was a higher frequency in
winter and spring with epidemic peaks in 1988, 1993 and 2000.
Southern Jordan had the highest incidence rate due to low
vaccination coverage by the private clinics. The data support
the introduction of compulsory MMR vaccination in Jordan for all
susceptible individuals. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the
compulsory single-dose vaccine and, based on the outcome, a
second dose of this vaccine is also recommended in order to
achieve and maintain a high level of immunization.
Institution
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science,
University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. bsalwa@sci.ju.edu.jo
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