Outbreak of mumps virus genotype G infection in tribal individuals during 2016–17 in India

ABSTRACT Tribal individuals presented with fever and uni‐ or bi‐lateral parotitis in Galonda and Silli villages (Dadra and Nagar Haveli, India) between 2 October 2016 and 19 March 2017. Consequently, the magnitude and epidemiological characteristics of the outbreak were investigated. Overall, 139 cases of suspected mumps were identified in both the above villages. Most of the suspected cases were 5–15 years old, the exceptions being three adults who had no noticeable complications. Specimens were collected from 42 of the suspected cases and their close contacts (n = 39) for laboratory investigation. Mumps infection was laboratory‐confirmed in 73.8% and 20.5% of the suspected cases and contacts, respectively. Mumps was confirmed in seven adults aged 17–42 years, including three suspected cases and four contacts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a complete virus genome circulating among tribal individuals. Sequencing and phylogenetic studies revealed circulation of mumps virus genotype G in these tribal villages with 99% identity to a mumps virus detected in the UK (1996) and Canada (2009). Comparison with Indian mumps viruses revealed 99% and 98% identity to previously reported isolates from Pune during 2012 and 1986, respectively. Although the outbreak was large, no major complications were reported in the tribal villages. Detection of asymptomatic mumps in numerous close contacts indicates the importance of laboratory investigations in an outbreak setting.