Mumps Information

What is Mumps?

Mumps is an infection of the salivary glands caused by a virus. Mumps symptoms include swollen glands in front of and below the ear which may last two or more days. Other symptoms may include headache, low-grade fever, and earache. Mumps is about as contagious as influenza (flu) and rubella (German measles), but not as contagious as measles or chickenpox. The mumps virus spreads in tiny drops of fluid from the mouth and nose of someone who is infected. It can be passed to others through sneezing, coughing, or even laughing. It can also be spread from people who are infected but have no symptoms. Generally, mumps is transmitted from about 3 days before symptoms appear to about 4 days after, although transmission could occur as early as 7 days before to as late as 9 days after symptoms appear.

What can be done to prevent Mumps?

The MMR (measles, mumps, Rubella) vaccine can prevent the disease. However, even if vaccinated, infection with the mumps virus is possible.

What to do if you think you have Mumps:

Anyone experiencing symptoms of mumps should be suspected of possibly having the disease and should see a physician. As many as 20% of mumps infections do not show symptoms and 40%-50% may only have respiratory symptoms, and although not likely, complications can occur. Possible complications are aseptic meningitis (headache, stiff neck), which usually resolves without complications. Adults are at higher risk for meningitis than children. Other complications could include inflammation of the testicles, ovaries or pancreas, and deafness. Mumps can be confirmed by swabbing fluid from the back of the mouth between the cheek and teeth. The fluid is then sent to the State lab for confirmation of mumps.

There is no specific treatment for mumps. Since it is caused by a virus, antibiotic treatment is ineffective. Supportive care should be given according to recommendations from a physician. This usually involves monitoring a child's temperature and the use of nonaspirin medications. Swollen neck glands can be soothed with either warm or cold packs. A soft bland diet that does not require a lot of chewing is recommended as well as drinking plenty of fluids. Tart or acidic fruit juices (like orange juice, grapefruit juice or lemonade) may make the neck pain worse. Water, decaffeinated soft drinks, and tea are better tolerated. A child with mumps does not need to stay in bed, but may play quietly. The physician is the best source for when a child may return to school. Parents should check to see if their child is up to date on their immunizations by checking the child's immunization record. Children should receive their first MMR immunization between 12 and 15 months and a second and final dose between 4 and 6 years or before entering Kindergarten.

As an adult, you do NOT need an MMR immunization if:

· You had blood tests that show you are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.

· You are a man born before 1957.

· You are a woman born before 1957 who is sure she is not having more children, has already had rubella vaccine, or has had a positive rubella test.

· You already had two doses of MMR or one dose of MMR plus a second dose of measles vaccine.

· You already had one dose of MMR and are not at high risk of measles exposure.

As an adult, you SHOULD get the measles vaccine if you are not among the categories listed above, and

· You are a college student, trade school student, or other student beyond high school.

· You work in a hospital or other medical facility.

· You travel internationally or are a passenger on a cruise ship.

· You are a woman of childbearing age.