Mumps

Laboratory testing is needed to confirm mumps. This testing is arranged by your medical provider. It is helpful to know if you have been near someone with mumps or if you have traveled to an area where a mumps outbreak is occurring.

Mumps is a viral infection that can be spread through close person-to-person contact such as coughing, sneezing or sharing drinking glasses. A person infected with mumps can spread the virus to a non-infected person from about three days before symptoms appear to five days after swelling of the salivary glands.

Not everyone who is exposed to someone with mumps will get sick. Exposed people who have been vaccinated with two doses of mumps vaccine are very unlikely to get mumps. If a person hasn’t been vaccinated or had mumps disease, it is possible they could get sick.

The best way to be protected from mumps is to be vaccinated. Two doses of MMR vaccine (a mumps-containing vaccine) are recommended. Children should receive two doses of MMR: when they are 12-15 months old and at 4 to 6 years of age. It is usually required before kindergarten entry. The efficacy of two doses of mumps vaccine is 88% (range 66%-95%). For people who have had only one dose of mumps vaccine, an estimated 78% (range 49%-92%) are protected. Read the fact sheet about mumps vaccination

During a mumps outbreak, a third dose of MMR vaccine might be recommended for people who are at an increased risk of getting mumps. Learn more about mumps outbreaks 

There is no specific treatment for mumps. Supportive care should be given. If you have symptoms of mumps, call your healthcare provider right away. If someone becomes very ill, they should seek medical attention. Mention your concern about mumps before going in to the doctor’s office.