What is mumps?

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It most often causes puffy cheeks and swelling in the jaw and neck due to swollen salivary glands. These swollen areas can be tender or painful.

Thanks to vaccination, mumps is now uncommon in the United States. However, outbreaks can still happen, especially in places where people are not fully vaccinated.

How does mumps spread?

Mumps spreads through droplets or direct contact with saliva or mucus from the nose or mouth of someone who is sick.

A person can spread mumps by:

• Coughing or sneezing
• Talking closely with others
• Sharing cups, water bottles or eating utensils

Someone with mumps can spread the virus before they have any symptoms and for up to five days after their cheeks or jaw begin to swell.

What are the symptoms?

People who are infected with mumps don’t get sick right away. Symptoms can occur 12-25 days after infection.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Puffy and tender cheeks or a swollen jaw (swollen salivary glands)
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite

Most people recover within two weeks.

Can mumps cause complications?

In some cases, mumps can cause more serious problems, especially in teenagers and adults. Complications may include:

• Swelling of the testicles (orchitis) in males who have reached puberty. This can cause pain and, rarely, lead to shrinkage of the testicles.
• Swelling of the ovaries (oophoritis) or breasts (mastitis) in females who have reached puberty.
• Inflammation of the brain or tissues around the brain and spinal cord (encephalitis or meningitis).
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
• Hearing loss, which is rare but can be permanent.

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.

Some people with mumps have very mild symptoms. Some people have no symptoms at all and may not know they have mumps. In rare cases, mumps can cause more severe complications.

Most people with mumps recover completely within two weeks.

How can I protect my child?

The best way to protect against mumps is with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

The MMR vaccine is safe and effective.

Two doses are recommended for children:

1. First dose: at 12–15 months of age
2. Second dose: at 4–6 years of age

After two doses, the MMR vaccine is about 88% effective at preventing mumps and helps make symptoms milder if a vaccinated person does get sick.

Older children, adolescents and adults also need one or two doses of MMR vaccine if they don’t have evidence of immunity. Doses should be separated at least 28 days apart.

Anyone traveling international should be fully vaccinated before traveling. Infants 6–11 months old should get 1 dose of the MMR vaccine before travel. Then they should get two more doses after their first birthday.

People at increased risk during a mumps outbreak may need an additional dose of MMR. Consult your health care provider or follow public health recommendations.

Mumps is still common in other parts of the world and can be brought into the United States by travelers. Even if your family does not travel, vaccination helps protect your community.

When should I call a doctor?

Contact your child’s doctor if they:

• Have symptoms of mumps, such as swollen cheeks or jaw
• Have been around someone with mumps

Call your doctor right away if your child develops:

• Stomach pain
• Swelling of the testicles or ovaries
• Hearing changes
• Breathing problems

Because mumps can spread easily, call before visiting a health care facility so staff can make arrangements to prevent exposure to others.

A doctor may test saliva or blood to confirm mumps and provide guidance on care and isolation. There is no specific treatment, but symptoms can be managed at home with rest, fluid and pain relievers.

People with mumps should stay home for at least five days after swelling begins to avoid spreading the illness.