With measles on the rise and its vaccination rate on decline, some parents may worry mumps has the potential to do the same. Statewide, there are three cases of mumps, but officials say this number falls within Tennessee’s annual range, causing no need for alarm.
There are zero reported cases within Hamilton County.
Dr. Tony Friddell with Pediatric Diagnostic Associates said via phone that mumps is a virus infecting people worldwide. He hasn’t encountered a single case this calendar year.
Friddell, the Chattanooga practice’s managing partner, said unvaccinated people are at highest risk for mumps, alongside athletes, students or those living in college settings like dormitories and campuses.