Mumps is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, causing them to become swollen and painful. It is caused by the mumps virus, which is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The infection can also be spread through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. Symptoms of the mumps virus often include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen and tender salivary glands located on the cheeks and jaw. In some rare cases, complications can occur, including inflammation of the testicles or ovaries, meningitis, or pancreatitis. Vaccination is the best way to prevent mumps, with the MMR vaccine providing long-lasting immunity. Prompt diagnosis and isolation of individuals with mumps is important to prevent further transmission of the virus.
Transmission
Mumps is a highly contagious viral disease that is spread by droplets of saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose or throat of an infected person, usually when the person coughs, sneezes or talks. Items used by an infected person, such as cups or soft drink cans, can also be contaminated with the virus, which may spread to others if those items are shared.
Symptoms
Mumps is best known for the puffy cheeks and tender, swollen jaw that it causes. This is a result of swollen salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides, often referred to as parotitis.
Other symptoms of mumps, usually occurring before parotitis include headache, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and loss of appetite.
After a person is exposed to mumps, symptoms usually appear 16 to 18 days after infection, but this period can range from 12-25 days after infection.
Treatment
There is no treatment for mumps, and it can cause long-term health problems.
If you become infected with Mumps:
- Contact your health provider.
- Stay at home for five days after symptoms begin.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Vaccination and Prevention
The best way to protect against Mumps is to get the MMR shot for measles, mumps, and rubella. Healthcare providers recommend that your child get 2 doses of the MMR shot for best protection.
Children:
- DCHHS provides vaccines for children at the main clinic located at 2377 N. Stemmons Freeway. For more information call (214) 819-2163.
- DCHHS also provides vaccines for children only at clinics in the community.
Adults:
- DCHHS provides vaccines for adults at the International Travel office located at 2377 N. Stemmons Freeway. For more information call (214) 819-2162.
More Information
As of March 2, 2023, a total of 43 mumps cases were reported by 21 jurisdictions during 2023. However, there were no reported Mumps cases in Texas. Refer to CDC Website for more information on Mumps Cases and Outbreaks.
- Mumps FAQ
- Mumps Vaccine Recommendations from CDC
- www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/diseases/mumps.html
- www.dshs.texas.gov/vaccine-preventable-diseases/mumps
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