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What
is mumps?
It is an infection caused
by the mumps virus.
How is mumps spread?
Mumps is spread by airborne
transmission with mucus or droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person, usually when a person coughs or sneezes.
Who gets mumps?
Anyone, but it is more common
in infants, children and young adults. Of people who are not immunized, >85% will have mumps by adulthood, but symptoms
may have been mild and therefore not recognized.
What are the symptoms of mumps?
The most common symptoms
are fever, headache, and swollen salivary glands under the jaw. The disease can lead to hearing loss, aseptic meningitis (infection
of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) and, in 20% to 30% of males who have reached puberty, the disease can cause
painful, swollen testicles. It can cause sterility.
How soon do symptoms appear?
They may appear 12 - 25
days after infection, but usually within 18 days.
How long is an infected person
able to spread the disease?
From 3 days prior to the
onset of symptoms to 4 days after.
Can infection with mumps occur
more than once?
Yes. It is rare but we have
had it happen in Cedar County.
What is the treatment for mumps?
There is no specific treatment.
Supportive care should be given as indicated.
Is there a vaccine to prevent
mumps?
Yes. Two doses of mumps-containing
vaccine, given as combination MMR vaccine, separated by at least 4 weeks, are routinely recommended for all children. The
first dose is given on or after the first birthday; the second is given at 4 - 6 years of age. MMR is a live, attenuated vaccine.
Pregnant women and persons with immunodeficiency or immunosuppression should not receive live attenuated vaccines.
What can be done to stop the
spread of mumps?