Frequently Asked Questions

Mumps is a highly contagious viral illness. An infected person can spread it through face-to-face contact by coughing, sneezing, or spraying saliva while talking. Mumps can also spread when people share cups and eating utensils. Mumps is a condition that health providers must report to the local health department when a probable or diagnosed case occurs.

Mumps causes puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw, the result of swollen salivary glands. Other symptoms are:

• Fever
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle aches
• Tiredness
• Up to 10% of teen boys and men can experience swelling of the testicles. Meningitis and encephalitis are rare but serious complications of mumps

Immunization is the most effective way to prevent mumps. Everyone should make sure they are up to date on their MMR vaccine. Children must have two doses of the MMR vaccine to attend school. 

Other ways to protect yourself:

• Avoid contact with anyone infected with mumps
• Don’t share cups and eating utensils
• Wash your hands with soap and water

• Adults born in or after 1957 who have not been vaccinated or have not had mumps before
• Babies less than one year old
• Children older than one who have not received at least one dose of the MMR