A question from a message board re: MMR efficacy issues

November 13, 2006

Please note. Below is a message from a message board. They are NOT MY WORDS.

This is a very nice if misguided lady and I thought I would pose her question to

you guys in hopes of information for her. And now I'm off to Sheri's webpage to

get her some treatment links.

The past few years the U.S., midwest states in particular, has been experiencing

an increase in mumps outbreaks. In 2005 for example there were at least 6,000

cases compared to an average of less than 2,000 in previous years. I distinctly

remember hearing about some MMR efficacy issues regarding specific batches

during specific years. I also recall reading that kids who hadn't gotten their

second shot at between 9-11 years of age were more susceptible than those who'd

complete the two-dose course. My 9-year old has not yet gotten his booster MMR.

(Please - I'd prefer this thread not turn into an anti vs. pro vaccination

argument because my kids were both vaccinated with the MMR and arguing with me

about it would be a moot point.)

The reason I am asking is that I think my 9-year old may be coming down with

mumps. He and his best friend at school were in the school nurse's office on and

off all day long with sore throats, body aches, and swollen glands. Because they

didn't have fevers the nurse didn't call me or his friend's mother either. My

son's asthma is flaring badly this evening which it does when he's in the early

stages of a viral infection.

I took one look at him getting off the bus and his usual somewhat chubby chin

was twice its size. He looks like a bullfrog! I can feel the salivary glands

underneath his chin are pretty swollen and the whole area feels tight with

edema. He has no rash or swelling anywhere else. His ears do not hurt. His

throat is sore and he has a headache plus he's wheezy. I haven't taken his temp

yet because I gave him Tylenol for the pain three hours ago but I will check it

later. Oh, and I do realize that the glands underneath the ears are the more

common site for mumps' swelling but I read just now that it often occur under

the chin.

I am keeping him home from school tomorrow and calling the doctor, of course,

but for my own sense of curiosity I'd like to know if anyone has information

about bad batches of MMR from the late 90's specifically 1998.

Thanks for any links or info you can share with me.

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