Mumps
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A disease of the lymph nodes caused by a virus
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Fever, headache, muscle ache, and swelling of the lymph nodes close to
the jaw
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Meningitis, inflammation of the testicles or ovaries, inflammation of
the pancreas and deafness (usually permanent)
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Spread by coughing and sneezing
Mumps is about as contagious as influenza and rubella, but less so than
measles or chickenpox. It is generally transmitted from about 3 days before
symptoms appear to about 4 days after, although the virus has been isolated
from saliva as early as 7 days before to as late as 9 days after onset
of symptoms.
The virus replicates in the nasopharynx and lymph nodes of the infected
person. Transmission is airborne or through direct contact with infected
droplets or saliva.
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Mumps vaccine (contained in MMR) can prevent this disease.
As an adult, you do NOT need the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR)
if:
- You had blood tests that show you are immune to measles, mumps, and
rubella.
- You are a man born before 1957.
- You are a woman born before 1957 who is sure she is not having more
children, has already had rubella vaccine, or has had a positive rubella
test.
- You already had two doses of MMR or one dose of MMR plus a
second dose of measles vaccine.
- You already had one dose of MMR and are not at high risk of
measles exposure.
As an adult, you SHOULD get the measles vaccine if you are not among the
categories listed above, and
- You are a college student, trade school student, or other student beyond
high school.
- You work in a hospital or other medical facility.
- You travel internationally, or are a passenger on a cruise ship.
- You are a woman of childbearing age.
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Cold Sore
