Public Health

What is mumps? Mumps is a highly contagious disease caused by infection with a virus. Although mumps is a very serious disease, it is now uncommon. The vaccine that children receive at one year of age prevents almost all cases of mumps.

Who gets mumps and how is it spread? Although anyone can get mumps, the greatest risk of infection occurs among unvaccinated school age children. A person with mumps is most contagious 48 hours before symptoms start, however the contagious period extends from one week before the appearance of symptoms to about nine days after onset. Permanent immunity is acquired after getting the disease. Mumps is contracted through direct exposure to saliva from persons infected with the mumps virus. Mumps occurs more often during the winter and spring.

What are the symptoms of mumps and when do they start? Mumps symptoms include fever, swelling, and soreness of the salivary glands in the neck region (most often in the lower jaw area near the ears). Swelling of the testes occurs in up to 25% of males who get the disease after puberty. About one third of persons infected with the virus do not show any symptoms. The symptoms usually start 18 days after infection with the virus, but the onset can range from 12 to 25 days.

Is there a vaccine for mumps? Yes. The mumps vaccine is usually given in a combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine also known as Mrvm. The shot is given at 12 to 15 months of age. Being vaccinated against mumps is the best prevention method. Women who are pregnant and individuals with severe egg sensitivity should consult their physician about whether they should be vaccinated.

What are the complications of mumps?
Complications observed with mumps include deafness, arthritis, and inflammation of the testes, kidney; pancreas, or thyroid gland. Rare complications associated with mumps infection include inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Currently there is no specific treatment for mumps.

Wyoming Department of Health
2300 Capitol Ave. Cheyenne WY 82002
(307) 777-7172

(Photo courtesy of Center for Disease Control and Prevention)