Neurological Complications of Mumps

Abstract

Mumps is a vaccinepreventable viral illness that primarily affects the parotid glands but can also lead to neurological complications. During a community mumps outbreak in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, between February and April 2025, we encountered several pediatric patients with significant central nervous system (CNS) involvement. We describe two children who presented with acute cerebellitis, meningoencephalitis with hydrocephalus, and aseptic meningitis in the setting of recent mumps infection. Detailed clinical features and shortterm outcomes are presented. All children improved with appropriate antimicrobial and antiviral therapy, immunomodulation in selected cases, and neurosurgical intervention when indicated. Our series demonstrates that severe mumpsrelated CNS disease continues to occur in partially immunized pediatric populations and can be associated with substantial morbidity. These observations highlight the importance of maintaining high measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage, ensuring early recognition and comprehensive management of neurological complications, and strengthening surveillance for mumps outbreaks in India.