Mumps virus and CNS disease

Mumps is an acute, communicable viral disease that is transmitted by direct contact or via respiratory droplets. Mumps virus infection often results in viremia with dissemination of virus to a number of organ systems, including the central nervous system (CNS), producing a variety of acute inflammatory reactions. Mumps morbidity has affected populations worldwide for thousands of years. The contagious epidemic illness was described by Hippocrates in the 5th century BC in his Book of Epidemics wherein a number of clinical manifestations were depicted; however it wasn't until 1790 that central nervous system (CNS) involvement was recognized in association with mumps.1 Later studies would prove mumps virus a highly neurotropic agent, invading the CNS in approximately 50% of cases.2 In fact, in the prevaccine modern day era, mumps virus was recognized as the leading cause of virus-induced aseptic meningitis and encephalitis in North America and Europe. Mumps virus continues to be one of the most frequent viral etiologies of acute childhood encephalitis in countries lacking high vaccine coverage.3 Although usually benign and self-limited, mumps virus infection of the CNS can lead to permanent neurological damage.