Mumps

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by the mumps virus. It spreads through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose, or throat.

You can get mumps and spread the virus by:

• Coughing, sneezing, or talking
• Sharing items that may have saliva on them, such as water bottles or cups
• Participating in close-contact activities with others, like playing sports, dancing, or kissing

People who are infected with mumps don’t get sick right away. It can take 2-4 weeks for them to show signs of infection.

Common signs of mumps are puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. This is caused by the swollen salivary glands under one or both ears. Early symptoms can begin a few days before the swelling. The most serious complication is inflammation of the brain.

Some people who have been vaccinated against mumps can still get the disease. However, they usually have milder symptoms and complications are less frequent.

Anyone who is not protected against mumps is at risk of getting the disease.

Some groups of people have a higher likelihood of spreading disease because they are constantly in close contact with each other. These include school-aged children, students at post-high school educational institutions, and healthcare personnel.

People traveling internationally to areas where mumps is still common, or people near outbreaks, are also more likely to get mumps.

Getting two doses of the mumps vaccine may protect against acquiring the disease. It’s usually given as a combination vaccine called measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).