Mumps

​​Introduction

Mumps is an illness caused by a virus. It spreads easily from person to person. People who get mumps often have pain and swelling in their cheeks and jaw, near their ears.

Mumps spreads from one person to another when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes, talks, or shares things like forks, spoons, or drinks.

Mumps can make anyone sick if they haven't already had it or gotten the vaccine.​​

​​How Mumps Spreads & Who is Affected​

Mumps spreads easily from one person to another. You can catch it by:

• Being near someone who coughs, sneezes, or talks
• Spending time close to a person who has mumps
• Using things that have saliva on them, like drink bottles or utensils

People with mumps can give the virus to others starting a few days before their cheeks get swollen, and for about five days after the swelling starts.

Before the mumps vaccine was available in 1967 about 186,000 people in the U.S. got mumps each year. After people started getting the vaccine, mumps cases dropped by more than 99%. Now, only a few hundred to a few thousand people get mumps in the U.S. each year.

Mumps can still spread in the U.S., especially when people are people are near each other a lot or live in the same place. Outbreaks can happen in places like college dorms, correctional facilities (prisons), or on sports teams.​

​​Symtoms & Health Effects

People usually start showing signs of mumps 2 to 4 weeks after they catch the virus. The signs can be:

• Fever
• Headache
• Aching muscles
• Feeling tired and not wanting to eat
• Painful, swollen cheeks or jaw, especially under one or both ears (i.e. the salivary glands)

Some people with mumps might only feel a little sick or not have any signs at all, but they can still pass the virus to others. Most people get better from mumps in about 2 weeks without needing special treatment. But sometimes, mumps can lead to more serious problems. For example, it can cause swelling in the testicles or ovaries in people who have gone through puberty. Mumps can also cause swelling in the brain, no matter how old you are.​

​​Prevention

The best way to prevent mumps disease is to get vaccinated. You can also protect yourself or others by: 

• Not sharing drinks, eating utensils, lip balm, or anything that touches someone's mouth 

• Washing your hands often with soap and water
• Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze 
• Staying home when you are sick​

Mumps (MMR) Vaccination: Who, When, & How

In the U.S., there isn't a vaccine just for mumps. Instead, you are protected from mumps by getting the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine helps prevent three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles).

The MMR vaccine is given in a series of shots. It cannot stop mumps if you already have it, but it helps protect you from getting mumps in the future and can help stop the disease from spreading.

​​Who Should Get Vaccinated​

CDPH and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend 2 doses of MMR for:

• Children: one dose at 12 months of age and another at 4–6 years. 

• Older children, adolescents and adults without documented doses of MMR vaccine.

Some people should also be sure their MMR vaccination is up to date:

• Students (including college and post-high school) who haven't already had mumps or gotten the vaccine
• Healthcare personnel
• International travelers
• People during a mumps outbreak (a third dose may be recommended by public health officials)

Talk to your health care provider or visit MyTurn.ca.gov  to make a vaccine appointment.  

Unsure if you're vaccinated against mumps? Check your CA Digital Vaccine Record (DVR) or ask your healthcare provider. If no records exist, get vaccinated. 

Safety & Effectiveness​

Two doses of MMR vaccine are very effective. Studies show one dose is about 72% effective against mumps and two doses are about 86% effective. Protection can decrease over time. Like any vaccine, it can cause mild side effects in some people, such as:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Mild fever
• Rash (rare)​
  

Serious reactions are very rare and may include febrile seizure  (fit or convulsion caused by a high fever). Extensive research shows there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Getting two MMR shots is the best way to protect yourself from mumps and its complications. But sometimes, this protection can get weaker over time, especially if there is a mumps outbreak. Someone who got the vaccine may catch mumps, however their symptoms are usually not as bad and they have fewer problems than people who did not get the vaccine.​ 

​What to Do If You Are Exposed to Mumps

If you are not immune to mumps and have been around someone who has it, talk to your doctor. Getting the MMR vaccine after you have already been infected usually won't stop you from getting mumps, but it can help protect you from getting it in the future.

If you start to feel sick with mumps, stay away from other people. Do not go to school, work, or hang out with friends for at least 5 days after your face or neck starts to swell.​ 

​Additional Tips

• If your child is due for vaccination, schedule their next dose now. 
• Find clinics offering MMR vaccination in your area on My Turn. 
• The vaccine can be given at the same visit as other routine vaccinations.
• In California, families without health insurance or with health insurance that does not cover the cost of vaccines can get free vaccinations for kids and teens through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Ask your clinic or local health department about VFC.