Mumps

What is mumps?

It is a contagious disease caused by the mumps virus.

Who gets mumps?

In the United States mumps occurs primarily in unvaccinated or undervaccinated populations and in congregate settings such as schools or colleges where prolonged, close contact allows for person to person spread of the virus. Past infection with mumps makes a person immune to mumps; most people born before 1957 most likely have already had mumps. In addition, people who receive two doses of the mumps vaccine are much less likely to be infected. The greatest risk of infection occurs among older children, adolescents, and young adults.

How is the virus spread?

Mumps is spread by droplets of saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat of an infected person, usually when a person coughs or sneezes. Mumps can also spread when items used by an infected person that have been contaminated by saliva or mucus, such as eating utensils or lip balm, are shared.

What are the symptoms of mumps?

About one in five persons infected with mumps virus do not have any signs or symptoms of illness. The most common signs and symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and swelling and tenderness of one or more salivary glands under the ears or jaw on one or both sides of the face (parotitis). Swelling of the testicles occurs in up to 50% of males who have reached puberty; this does not usually result in sterility.

What are the complications associated with mumps?

Complications from mumps are rare but are more common in people who have reached puberty. These include central nervous system disorders such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal column), miscarriage of a pregnancy, arthritis, pancreatic involvement, or deafness.

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?

Signs and symptoms of mumps usually appear within 18 days after exposure, but may appear any time within 12 to 25 days after exposure.

When and for how long is someone able to spread the disease?

Mumps is contagious from three days before until five days after the onset of swelling (parotitis).

What is the treatment for mumps?

Supportive care to relieve symptoms may include applying intermittent ice or heat to the affected neck area, and pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen). Warm salt water gargles, soft foods, and extra fluids may also help. Avoid fruit juice or acidic foods, since these stimulate the salivary glands, which can be painful.

Can a person who had mumps get it again?

No. Persons who have had mumps do not get it again.

How can mumps be prevented?

Immunization of as many children as possible is the best way to prevent mumps cases and outbreaks. Two doses of mumps vaccine are recommended for all children. This is generally given as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The first dose of MMR should be given at 12-15 months of age and the second dose before a child enters kindergarten (4-6 years of age). Persons of any age who are unsure of their mumps disease history and/or mumps vaccination history should be vaccinated. Two doses of mumps vaccine are recommended for adults at high-risk for mumps exposure including healthcare personnel, international travelers and college students.

 

Links

Mumps Information for Health Care Providers
MMR – Vaccine Information Statement

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