What is mumps?
Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a germ. The most common
symptom is swelling of the cheeks and jaw due to inflammation of one or both of
the saliva glands near the ear and back of the jaw. However, up to half of the
people with mumps may not have enough swelling to show. Other symptoms include
fever, headache, stiff neck and loss of appetite. Mumps is more common in
children than in adults, but it can cause serious problems at any age.
Is mumps dangerous?
Mumps is usually a mild disease, however, it can cause
complications. In one out of 4 men, mumps causes swollen testicles. In 1 out of
20 women, mumps causes swollen ovaries. This swelling can cause sterility,
although this is rare.
Mumps sometimes causes problems in other organs, including the
heart and joints, which can lead to permanent damage. The most serious problems
caused by mumps are inflammation of the thin membrane that covers the brain and
spinal cord (meningitis) and inflammation of the brain itself (encephalitis).
Meningitis occurs in one out of 10 children with mumps and can lead to deafness
and other damage.
Mumps infection during the first trimester of pregnancy can
increase the risk of miscarriage.
How is mumps spread?
The virus that causes mumps lives in the nose, mouth and throat
and is sprayed into the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks.
Other people nearby can then inhale the virus. Touching a tissue or sharing a
cup used by someone with mumps can also spread the virus. People with mumps are
contagious from 7 days before until 9 days after their glands start swelling.
Symptoms most often appear 2 3 weeks after a person is exposed.
Who gets the mumps?
- Anyone who never had mumps and has never been vaccinated.
- Infants younger than 12 months old, because they are too young
to be vaccinated.
How is mumps diagnosed?
Mumps is often diagnosed by its symptoms, but this is not always
reliable. A blood test can be used to diagnose mumps.
How can you prevent mumps?
Protect your children by having them vaccinated when they are
12-15 months old, and again when they are about to enter kindergarten. Mumps
vaccine is usually given in a shot called MMR, which protects against measles,
mumps and rubella. There are now many fewer cases of these three diseases
because children get the MMR vaccine.
State regulations require certain groups to be vaccinated against
mumps. Some health care workers, child care workers and all children in child
care and preschool need to have one dose of mumps vaccine, usually given as the
combination MMR vaccine. Students in kindergarten, grades 1 12 and
college also need one dose of mumps vaccine, but usually have received 2 doses
of the MMR vaccine for school entry. A blood test that proves immunity can also
be used to fulfill this requirement for all groups.
Women who plan to have children and are not immune should get MMR
at least 4 weeks before getting pregnant.
Is MMR vaccine safe?
Yes. It is safe for most people. However, a vaccine, like other
medicines, can cause side effects in some people. The MMR vaccine can cause
fever, mild rash, temporary pain or stiffness of the joints. More, severe
problems, such as seizures, bleeding problems or allergic reactions are very
rare. Getting MMR vaccine is much safer than getting mumps and most people do
not have any problems with the vaccine.
Who should not get MMR vaccine?
- People who have serious allergies to gelatin, the drug
neomycin, or a previous dose of the vaccine.
- Pregnant women or women who are trying to get pregnant within 4
weeks should not get MMR vaccine until after they deliver their babies.
- People with cancer, HI, or other problems or treatments that
weaken the immune system should check with their doctor or nurse before getting
- People who have recently had a transfusion or were given other
blood products should check with their doctor or nurse before getting
- People with high fevers should not be vaccinated until after
the fever and other symptoms are gone.
Where can I get more information?
- Your doctor, nurse or clinic, or your local board of health
(listed in the phone book under local government).
- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Immunization
Program (617) 983-6800 or toll-free at (888) 658-2850 or on the MDPH Website at http://www.state.ma.us/dph/
- Northeast Regional Office, Tewksbury (978) 851-7261
- Central Regional Office, West Boylston (508) 792-7880
- Southeast Regional Office, Taunton (508) 977-3709
- Metro/Boston* Regional Office, Jamaica Plain (617)
- * Boston providers and residents may also call the
Boston Public Health Commission at (617) 534-5611.
CDC National Immunization Information Hotline:
- English: 1-800-232-2522 or Spanish: 1-800-232-0233 (Mon
Fri 8am 11pm)
- TTY: 1-800-243-7889 (Mon Fri 10am 10pm)
PUBLIC HEALTH FACT SHEET
Massachusetts Department of
305 South Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130