Epidemiological Characteristics of Mumps Cases in the Kingdom of Bahrain From 2012 to 2022

Mumps is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by the paramyxovirus affecting the salivary gland and may be complicated by orchitis, oophoritis, and encephalitis. This study aims to describe the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and transmission of mumps cases in the Kingdom of Bahrain between 2012 and 2022. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using national surveillance data of confirmed mumps cases, including all age groups and both Bahraini and non-Bahraini nationals, from January 2012 to December 2022. A total of 258 cases were recorded, with the majority being male (159, 61.6%). Most patients (255, 98.8%) presented with parotid gland swelling, and 9 (3.5%) required hospitalization. Only 63 (24%) patients had documented vaccination history. Incidence rates varied, with peaks in 2013, 2015, and 2019. The highest incidence was observed in children aged 0-4 years in 2012, shifting to the 5-14 years age group from 2013 to 2015, and then returning to the 0-4 years age group from 2016 to 2022. Overall, there is a downward trend in mumps cases in Bahrain. The study shows a declining trend in mumps incidence in Bahrain. The high incidence in young children emphasizes the need to maintain high vaccination coverage. Enhanced surveillance, timely outbreak investigations, interventions, and public health vaccine campaigns are essential to sustain progress. This comprehensive analysis provides baseline data and a foundation for strengthening mumps prevention and control efforts in Bahrain.