Mumps is a contagious disease that is caused by the mumps virus. Mumps typically starts with a few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite, and is followed by swelling of salivary glands. Anyone who is not immune from either previous mumps infection or from vaccination can get mumps.
Before the routine vaccination program was introduced in the United States, mumps was a common illness in infants, children and young adults. Because most people have now been vaccinated, mumps has become a rare disease in the United States...more
Mumps Topics
About Mumps
Overview, signs & symptoms, complications, transmission, photos...
Mumps Vaccination
Information on getting vaccinated....
Information for Travelers
Overview, questions and answers...
Prevention and Control in Healthcare Settings
Background, acceptable presumptive evidence of immunity, healthcare worker exclusion, patient isolation...
Outbreaks
2009-2010 outbreak articles, 2006 outbreak articles, clinical information…
Clinical Questions and Answers
Patient isolation, physical findings and complications, case reporting, exposure and response...
Laboratory Testing
Answers specific questions about lab tests used to diagnose mumps...
Publications and Resources
MMWR articles, pink book's chapter on mumps, surveillance manual's chapter on mumps...
Mumps Information for Kids
Mumps is one attacker with a spiteful sense of humor, giving about one-third of its victims plumped up "chipmunk cheeks."...more (231 KB, 1 page)
Fast Facts about Mumps
Mumps Vaccination
Mumps vaccine (MMR vaccine or MMRV vaccine), is the best way to prevent mumps.
- For Those Getting Vaccinated Vaccination recommendations and other useful information about mumps vaccine
- Clinical Information for Healthcare Professionals Mumps references and resources, provider education tools, and materials for patients
Feature Story: MMR Vaccine: The Best Protection Against Mumps
Mumps Virus Still Around
Mumps has not disappeared in the United States, and the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is the best way to prevent the disease.
- Check your child's immunization record or contact the doctor to see whether your child has already received the MMR vaccine.
- Get your child vaccinated on time; visit the immunization scheduler for newborn to 6-year-old children.
- Remember that some older children and adults also need MMR vaccine; review the adolescent schedule and the adult schedule.
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of mumps.
- Report suspect mumps cases to your doctor right away.
Mumps Outbreak
Information for Travelers
Although the risk of exposure to mumps for most travelers will be relatively low, you should make sure that you and your children 12 months of age and older are fully vaccinated or immune. This is especially important if you plan to travel to areas experiencing mumps outbreaks.
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