Mumps

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus that affects the salivary glands. Mumps infections can happen at any time of the year and can cause long-term health problems.

What are the symptoms of mumps?

It may take 2 to 4 weeks after someone has been infected with mumps to show symptoms. Common symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw

In most cases, mumps is mild. However, some people may experience severe complications, including:

  • Inflammation of the testicles
  • Inflammation of the ovaries and/or breast tissue
  • Inflammation of the pancreas
  • Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
  • Temporary or permanent loss of hearing

How does mumps spread?

Mumps spreads through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose, or throat. Actions that spread mumps include:

  • Coughing, sneezing, or talking
  • Sharing items like water bottles, cups, or lipstick that have saliva on them.
  • Participating in close-contact activities, such as sports, dancing, or kissing.

How can we prevent mumps?

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the strongest protection against mumps. Children normally get the MMR vaccine at one year and four years of age. If people haven’t been vaccinated against measles as a child, they can get the MMR vaccine as an adult. Getting the MMR vaccine is safer than getting sick with mumps, and it protects your family and your community. If you have any questions about mumps vaccination, please talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

For more detailed information about mumps and the vaccines that prevent it, visit the Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine page.

Mumps Activity and Surveillance

Visit the Mumps Notifiable Conditions page for a summary of measles reporting and testing resources for health care professionals.

View the Mumps Cases and Outbreaks web page from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to see mumps cases reported in the United States.

Resources and Materials