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Mumps outbreaks sicken almost 900 in migrant detention centers
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Experts have warned that migrant children detained at the southern U.S. border are at risk for numerous illnesses, including some infectious diseases. The revelation last week of a government policy not to vaccinate migrant children and their families against influenza raised concerns among medical experts and drew renewed attention to the reported influenza-related deaths of at least three children in U.S. custody.
Now, a new report published in MMWR highlighted nearly 900 confirmed and probable cases of mumps among adult migrants being detained in 57 facilities, and an additional 33 cases among ICE facility staff members.
The cases, as reported by Jessica Leung, MPH, epidemiologist in the CDC’s Division of Viral Diseases, and colleagues, occurred between Sept. 1, 2018, and Aug. 22, 2019.
According to the report, the 898 infected migrants were in 34 privately run facilities, 19 county jails that housed migrants and four ICE-run facilities located in 19 states. Cases occurred in 18% of the 315 facilities that house migrants. Almost half (44%) were reported in Texas.
“Based on detainee custody status during their incubation period — 12 to 25 days before symptom onset — most (758, 84%) patients were exposed while in custody of ICE or another U.S. agency,” the researchers wrote.
Leung and colleagues recommend that facilities follow local and state health department recommendations related to mumps vaccination and that all cases be reported. Furthermore, these facilities should follow recommendations on disease control from these health departments.
“Detainees and staff members at increased risk for mumps should be offered MMR vaccine per existing recommendations for vaccination during outbreaks,” the researchers wrote. “MMR vaccine has not been shown to be effective at preventing disease in persons already infected with mumps; facilities should be aware that cases might occur among detained exposed before vaccination.” – by Katherine Bortz
Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.
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