Mumps

How is Mumps Spread?

Mumps is an airborne virus and can be spread by: coughing, sneezing, and talking. It can also be spread if an infected person touches their nose or mouth, and proceeds to transfer the virus onto an object.¹

Mumps can be spread a few days before the salivary glands begin to swell and up to 5 days after. A person diagnosed with Mumps is advised to avoid contact with others until then.¹

Symptoms 

Some people who become infected with Mumps will show either no or very mild symptoms. Symptoms² can appear two to three weeks after infection.

The most common symptom is swelling of one's salivary glands, causing puffy cheeks. Other common symptoms include:

Complications

Though rare, complications of mumps can occur, especially in adults. 

 Common Complications²

Severe Complications³

The Mumps Vaccine

 There are two vaccines that can help to prevent mumps:

• MMR Vaccine - protects against mumps, measles, and rubella
• MMRV Vaccine - protects against mumps, measles, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox)

Mumps Vaccine Safety

The MMR vaccine contains live, attenuated (weakened) measles, mumps, and rubella viruses. It does not cause the disease in healthy people,but this vaccine should not be given to those with compromised immune systems. Side effects can occur over time, but come fewer after each dose.

Mumps Vaccine Effectiveness

Figure 1.⁴

A) Overall rates of reported mumps cases declined after vaccine licensure in 1967, with notable outbreaks around 1984 to 1992 among adolescents and around 2006 among young adults 

B) Peaks of mumps susceptibility among 10-19yo and 20-29yo is suggested to be due to waning immunity rather than vaccine failure-related reasons

C) Declining reported mumps cases that causes symptoms due to vaccine protection against symptoms

 Herd Immunity

Communities that have very high rates of vaccination further benefit from herd immunity, conferring increased protection to those unable to receive the vaccination.  

Mumps Vaccine Schedule

Figure 2.⁵

How do I know if I'm protected against mumps?

Your vaccination records are the best way of knowing if you have been vaccinated. If these records cannot be found, your doctor may perform a blood test. Speak with your doctor if you are unsure about your immune status. 

Types of Mumps Vaccines

Side Effects

In some cases, vaccines may cause side effects⁶. Always speak with your doctor about any concerns you may have.

Severe Allergic Reactions

In very rare cases, severe allergic reactions have been observed. Let your doctor know if you have ever experienced any allergic reactions to vaccines.

The Bottom Line

Currently, there is no cure for mumps and there is the chance that it can cause long-term health problems. Despite the large decrease in mumps cases since the U.S. implementation of a mumps vaccination program, outbreaks can still occur. The risk is even higher in settings where people have close prolonged contact such as universities and workplaces.