Students of the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), Master of Epidemiology Program, Faculty of Public Health, Diponegoro University, Dwi Susanti (class of 2024), together with the Semarang District Health Office, conducted an epidemiological investigation of the mumps outbreak in Mluweh Village, East Ungaran Subdistrict, from October to the end of November 2024.
A total of 45 students from four schools in the village contracted mumps within a relatively short period. Case tracing showed a significant increase starting in mid-October, although the initial case actually appeared in late August, but the outbreak was only detected after a surge in numbers. Field investigation revealed that the spread of the virus was exacerbated by low public awareness, cramped classrooms, and students continuing to attend school despite showing mild symptoms.
More than 50% of patients did not seek medical treatment, considering mumps a mild illness that would resolve on its own. The majority of cases occurred in boys aged 3–6 years. The common symptoms included: fever (100%), swelling of the parotid glands (100%), and pain in the back of the jaw (97.8%).
Based on Dwi Susanti’s (FETP UNDIP student) analysis, the two most dominant risk factors were: the habit of sharing eating/drinking utensils, with a 9.8 times higher risk of transmission, and not routinely consuming vitamins, which increased the risk up to 3 times. Ironically, none of the patients had a history of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination. The MMR vaccine has not yet been included in the national immunization program and is only available in private healthcare facilities, resulting in low immunization coverage.
The outbreak was declared over on January 21, 2025, after no new cases were found in two incubation periods. However, this incident left an important note that even illnesses considered mild can turn into outbreaks if not handled promptly and appropriately. Dwi Susanti of FETP UNDIP emphasized the importance of public education and the active role of schools in recognizing mumps symptoms, early reporting, and implementing preventive measures, such as: not sharing eating/drinking utensils, maintaining distance when sick, routine vitamin intake, and education on the importance of MMR immunization. Through this activity, FETP UNDIP demonstrates real contributions in disease control and strengthening field-based public health response.
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