Mumps is caused by a paramyxovirus, an RNA virus of the Paramyxoviridae family whose reservoir is strictly human. The disease is usually mild, but it can be accompanied by complications, some of which may require hospitalization. The challenge is therefore to ensure adequate vaccine coverage among the population.

Epidemiological surveillance of mumps

Mumps has been monitored by the Sentinelles network since 1986, a network coordinated by the Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (IPLESP), UMR-S 1136 (National Institute of Health and Medical Research and Sorbonne University) in collaboration with Santé publique France. Each week, the network reports in its weekly bulletin an estimate of the number of mumps cases that have sought medical care in mainland France.

A network of partners

This surveillance program relies on several partners:

• Sentinel Network

• National Reference Center for Measles, Rubella, and Mumps at the Caen University Hospital

A prevention initiative against mumps

Santé publique France has created an informational website on vaccinations available in France to provide reliable, scientifically validated answers to questions the public and healthcare professionals may have on the subject.
A section dedicated to mumps vaccination is available in two sections—one for the general public and the other for professionals—to better support them in their practice:

• Information for healthcare professionals

• Information for the general public

In addition, Santé publique France conducts communication campaigns on mumps vaccination through brochures and videos. All of these resources are available in the “Resources” tab.