Mumps is an illness caused by the mumps virus. It starts with

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite

After that, the salivary glands under the ears or jaw become swollen and tender. The swelling can be on one or both sides of the face. Symptoms last 7 to 10 days. Serious complications are rare.

You can catch mumps by being with another person who has it. There is no treatment for mumps, but the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent it.

Before the routine vaccination program in the United States, mumps was a common illness in infants, children and young adults. Now it is a rare disease in the U.S.

Mumps is a contagious disease that is caused by a virus. It typically starts with a few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Then most people will have swelling of their salivary glands (often referred to as parotitis when the parotid gland, located in front and below the ear, swells). This is what causes the puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw.

Mumps Outbreaks

Even though the vaccine has drastically reduced mumps cases, outbreaks still occur. Outbreaks have most commonly occurred among groups of people who have prolonged, close contact, such as sharing water bottles or cups, kissing, practicing sports together, or living in close quarters, with a person who has mumps. Some vaccinated people may still get mumps if they are exposed to the virus. However, disease symptoms are milder in vaccinated people.

Make sure you are protected against mumps with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose, or throat. An infected person can 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, such as playing sports, dancing, or kissing

An infected person can spread mumps from a few days before their salivary glands begin to swell to up to five days after the swelling begins. A person with mumps should limit their contact with others during this time. For example, stay home from school and do not attend social events.

Mumps Virus is Still Around

Mumps occurs in the United States, and the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine is the best way to prevent the disease.

• Check your child’s immunization record or contact the doctor to see whether your child has already received the MMR vaccine.
• Get your child vaccinated on time; visit the immunization scheduler for newborn to 6-year-old children.
• Remember that some preteens, teens, and adults also need MMR vaccine; review the preteens and teen schedule and the adult schedule.
• Get an additional vaccine dose if your health department recommends it to a group you are part of during an outbreak.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mumps.
• Let your doctor know right away if you think you or someone in your family may have mumps.

Mumps is best known for the puffy cheeks and tender, swollen jaw that it causes. This is a result of swollen salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides, often referred to as parotitis.

Other symptoms that might begin a few days before parotitis include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite

Symptoms typically appear 16-18 days after infection, but this period can range from 12–25 days after infection.

Some people who get mumps have very mild symptoms (like a cold), or no symptoms at all and may not know they have the disease.

In rare cases, mumps can cause more severe complications.

Most people with mumps recover completely within two weeks.

Mumps can occasionally cause complications, especially in adults.

Complications can include:

• inflammation of the testicles (orchitis); this may lead to a decrease in testicular size (testicular atrophy)
• inflammation of the ovaries (oophoritis) and/or breast tissue (mastitis)
• inflammation in the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
• inflammation of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)
• deafness

Inflammation of the testicles could lead to temporary sterility or decrease fertility in men, but no studies have assessed if it results in permanent infertility.

Protect Your Child with Mumps Vaccine

Mumps vaccine is the best way to decrease your child’s risk of getting mumps. It is usually given as part of a combination vaccine that protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine:

• the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and
• the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.

The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. Most children don’t have any side effects from the vaccine. The side effects that do occur are usually very mild, such as a fever or rash.

Your child’s doctor may also offer the MMRV vaccine, a combination vaccine that protects against four diseases: measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). This vaccine is only licensed for use in children who are 12 months through 12 years of age. Talk to your child’s healthcare professional for help deciding which vaccine to use.

Protect Yourself Against Mumps

Anyone born during or after 1957 who has never had mumps or has never been vaccinated is at risk for mumps. They should get at least two doses of the MMR vaccine.

Teens and adults should also be up to date on MMR vaccinations. Information on locating vaccine records.

College students who do not have evidence of immunity need two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days. Other adults at higher risk, such as international travelers and healthcare professionals, should also get two doses of MMR vaccine.

MMR vaccine is safe and effective. A person with two doses of MMR vaccine has about an 88% reduction in risk for mumps; a person with one dose has a 78% reduction in risk for mumps.

Mumps Outbreaks Still Occur

After the U.S. mumps vaccination program started in 1967, there has been a more than 99% decrease in mumps cases in the United States. However, mumps outbreaks still occur, particularly in settings where people have close, prolonged contact, such as universities, schools, and correctional facilities.

During these outbreaks, people who previously had one or two doses of MMR vaccine can still get mumps. Experts aren’t sure why vaccinated people still get mumps, but some evidence suggests that

• Some people’s immune systems may not respond as well as it should to the vaccine
• The mumps vaccine may produce antibodies (proteins created by the body’s immune system to help fight infections) that are not as effective against wild-type virus strains
• In some people, antibodies from mumps vaccination may decrease overtime, until they no longer protect the person from mumps
• As most people are not routinely exposed to mumps, there is less immunologic boosting (where people are exposed to mumps which boosts their immunity, but they do not get sick)

Disease symptoms are milder and complications are less frequent in vaccinated people. High vaccination coverage also helps to limit the size, duration, and spread of mumps outbreaks. So, it’s still very important to be up to date on MMR vaccine.

During a mumps outbreak, public health authorities might recommend an additional dose of MMR vaccine for people who belong to groups at increased risk for getting mumps. These groups are usually those who are likely to have close contact, such as sharing sport equipment or drinks, kissing, or living in close quarters, with a person who has mumps. Your local public health authorities or institution will notify you if you are at increased risk and should receive this dose. If you already have two doses of MMR, it is not necessary to seek out vaccination unless the authorities tell you that you are part of this group.

Mumps Can Be Serious

Mumps is a contagious disease that is caused by a virus. It typically starts with fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Then, most people will have swelling of their salivary glands. This is what causes the puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw.

In most people, mumps is pretty mild. But it can cause serious, long-lasting problems including:

• orchitis (swelling of the testicles) in males
• oophoritis (swelling of the ovaries) and/or mastitis (swelling of the breasts) in females
• encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
• meningitis (swelling of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord)
• loss of hearing (temporary or permanent)

In very rare cases, mumps is deadly.

Paying for Mumps Vaccine

Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. However, you may want to check with your insurance provider before going to the doctor.

If you don’t have health insurance, or if your insurance does not cover vaccines for your child, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program may be able to help. This program helps families of eligible children who might not otherwise have access to vaccines.

Two doses of the MMR shot are recommended for children by doctors as the best way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella.

When should my child get the MMR shot?

One dose at each of the following ages:

• 12 – 15 months
• 4 – 6 years

Before traveling to another country, infants 6 to 11 months should get 1 dose of the MMR shot.

Why should my child get the MMR shot?

• Protects your child from mumps, a potentially serious disease, as well as measles and rubella.
• Protects your child from getting a fever and swollen glands under the ears or jaw from mumps.
• Keeps your child from missing school or childcare and you from missing work.

Almost everyone who has not had the MMR shot will get mumps if they are exposed to the mumps virus.

The MMR shot is safe.

The MMR shot is very safe, and is effective at preventing mumps. Vaccines like a medicine, can have side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own.

There is no link between the MMR shot and autism.
Scientists in the United States and other countries have carefully studied the MMR shot. None has found a link between autism and the MMR shot.

What are the side effects of the shot?

Most children don’t have any side effects from the shot. The side effects that do occur are usually mild, and may include:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Fever
• Mild rash
• Temporary pain and stiffness in the joints

More serious side effects are rare. These may include high fever that could cause a seizure.

What is mumps?

Mumps is best known for the puffy cheeks and swollen jaw that it causes.

Mumps spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. There is no treatment for mumps, and it can cause long-term health problems.

What are the symptoms of mumps?

Mumps usually causes the following symptoms for about 7 to 10 days:

• Fever
• Headache
• Musc­­le aches
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite (not wanting to eat)
• Swollen glands under the ears or jaw

Some people who get mumps do not have symptoms. Others may feel sick but will not have swollen glands.

Is it serious?

Mumps can be dangerous. Before there was a vaccine, mumps was one of the most common causes of deafness and meningitis. Mumps can also lead to encephalitis.

In most children, mumps is pretty mild. But it can cause serious, sometimes lasting problems, including:

• Meningitis (swelling of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord)
• Deafness (temporary or permanent)
• Encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
• Orchitis (swelling of the testicles) in males who have reached puberty
• Oophoritis (swelling of the ovaries) and/or mastitis (swelling of the breasts) in females who have reached puberty

In rare cases, mumps is deadly.

How does mumps spread?

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose, or throat. An infected person can 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, such as playing sports, dancing, or kissing
• touching objects or surfaces with unwashed hands that are then touched by others

An infected person can likely spread mumps from two days before their salivary glands begin to swell to up to five days after the swelling begins. A person with mumps should limit their contact with others during this time. For example, stay home from school and do not attend social events.

Mumps remains a common disease in many countries. Anyone who is not protected against mumps is at risk of getting infected when they travel internationally.

Before traveling internationally, people should be protected against mumps.

• Children 12 months of age or older should have two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.
• Teenagers and adults without evidence of immunity (protection) to mumps should have two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.

If you have two doses of MMR vaccine, it is not necessary to get an additional dose when you travel internationally, even if the country to which you are traveling is experiencing a mumps outbreak.

What is mumps?

Mumps is a disease caused by a virus. People with mumps spread the virus when they

• Cough, sneeze, or talk
• Share items that may have saliva on them, such as water bottles or cups
• Participate in close-contact activities with others, such as playing sports, dancing, or kissing

Mumps symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and swollen and tender glands under the ears or jaw on one or both sides of the face (parotitis). Most people with mumps recover fully. However, mumps infection can occasionally cause complications, such as swelling of the brain, testicles, ovaries or breasts. It can also cause temporary or permanent deafness.

Who can get mumps?

Mumps remains a common disease in many countries. Anyone who has not been vaccinated or had mumps before can get infected when they travel internationally. Mumps is more common among groups of people who have frequent, close contact with each other, such as college students, sports teams, or community groups (e.g., church members). These people may get mumps, even if they are vaccinated. However, a vaccinated person will likely have milder symptoms and is very unlikely to have complications.

What can travelers do to prevent mumps?

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against mumps. Mumps is a routine vaccination that children in the United States receive at 12-15 months of age. It’s a combination vaccine that also protects against measles and rubella (MMR vaccine). The vaccine is given in 2 doses, the second dose is given at least 28 days after the first dose.

If you were born after 1957 and have never had mumps or have never been vaccinated, you are at risk for mumps. You should get vaccinated with 2 doses before you travel.

Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose MMR vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as the first dose in the routine childhood vaccination series.

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider, and tell them about your travel. Avoid contact with other people while you are sick.

Q: I got the vaccine but still got mumps. Does this mean the vaccine doesn’t work?

A: MMR vaccine prevents most, but not all, cases of mumps and complications caused by the disease. People who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine are about nine times less likely to get mumps than unvaccinated people who have the same exposure to mumps virus. However, some people who receive two doses of MMR can still get mumps, especially if they have prolonged, close contact with someone who has the disease. If a vaccinated person does get mumps, they will likely have less severe illness than an unvaccinated person.

Before there was a vaccine, mumps was a common childhood disease in the United States. In some cases, the disease caused complications, such as permanent deafness in children and, occasionally, swelling of the brain (encephalitis), which in rare cases resulted in death. From year to year, the number of mumps cases can range from roughly a couple hundred to a couple thousand. In some years, there are more cases of mumps than usual because of large outbreaks.

Q: Is mumps a serious disease?

A: Mumps can be serious, but most people with mumps recover completely in a few weeks. While infected with mumps, many people feel tired and achy, have a fever, and swollen salivary glands on the side of the face. Others may feel extremely ill and be unable to eat because of jaw pain, and a few will develop serious complications. Men and adolescent boys can develop pain or swelling in their testicles, which rarely results in sterility. Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and loss of hearing can also occur, and in rare cases, this hearing loss can be permanent. The most serious complication is inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), which can lead to death or permanent disability.

Q: I’ve been told that I need to stay away from people while I’m sick with mumps. What does that mean and why does it matter?

A: When you have mumps, you should avoid prolonged, close contact with other people until at least five days after your salivary glands begin to swell because you are contagious during this time. You should not go to work or school. You should stay home when you are sick with mumps and limit contact with the people you live with; for example, sleep in a separate room by yourself if you can. Staying home while sick with mumps is an important way to avoid spreading the virus to other people. People who are infected with mumps don’t get sick right away—it can take 2 to 4 weeks for them to show signs of infection

Q: What else should I do to prevent mumps from spreading?

A: In addition to staying away from others when you have mumps, you can help prevent the virus from spreading by

• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and put your used tissue in the trash can. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
• Washing your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoiding sharing drinks or eating utensils.
• Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, tables, counters.

Q: What should I do during a mumps outbreak?

A: Make sure you and your family are up to date on your MMR vaccine. Your local public health authorities or institution might recommend that people who belong to a group at increased risk for mumps get an additional dose. These groups are usually those who are likely to have close contact, such as sharing sport equipment or drinks, kissing, or living in close quarters, with a person who has mumps. Your local public health authorities will communicate to the groups at increased risk that they should receive this dose. If you already have two doses of MMR, it is not necessary to seek out vaccination unless you are part of this group.

Let your doctor know right away if you think that you or someone in your family may have mumps.

In any situation, including when there is a mumps outbreak, washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and having good health practices (such as eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep and staying active) are the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.