A mumps epidemic on St. George Island, Alaska

Abstract

A mumps epidemic occurred on St. George Island, Alaska, among a population which had not been exposed to mumps since 1907. During a 15-week period clinical mumps were observed in 119 of 212 native residents, while an additional 37 residents had serologic evidence of subclinical infections. Prophylactic mumps hyperimmune γ-globulin given to 56 persons who were clinically and serologically susceptible did not appear to reduce the attack rates or to prevent clinical complications.