Mumps
Mumps is an infection of the salivary glands caused by the mumps virus. The most common gland affected is the parotid gland which causes swelling at the angle of the jaw in front of the ear.
Signs and symptoms
One in three people with mumps have no symptoms. If they get sick, people can have fevers and headaches, and might feel tired and less hungry.
Mumps can infect the salivary glands causing them to be swollen and sore. If the ‘parotid gland’ (the largest salivary gland) is affected, it appears as swelling at the angle of the jaw on one or both sides of the face. Males may get sore and swollen testicles and females may have a sore lower abdomen. The pain and swelling usually takes about a week to get better.
Mumps can sometimes make some people very sick and cause long-term problems, such as inflammation of the brain or hearing loss, but this is rare.
Treatment
There is no treatment for mumps. People usually get better with rest. People who are very sick might need to go to hospital.
Transmission
Mumps is passed on by coughs, sneezes or saliva (for example sharing water bottles or cups) of an infected person. People with mumps can make others sick from five days before salivary gland swelling starts, until five days after. People with no symptoms may still infect others.
Prevention
People with mumps should not go to childcare, school, or work for 5 days after swelling starts. Healthcare workers should wait at least 9 days after the swelling starts before returning to work.
There is a safe and effective mumps containing vaccine that includes measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and is offered at 12 months of age. A second vaccine, given at 18 months also protects children against chickenpox (MMRV). Most people are recommended to have two mumps containing vaccines.
In Queensland MMR vaccine is offered free for people born during or since 1966 who haven’t had 2 doses.
A third dose is sometimes offered during a mumps outbreak and is safe to receive.
People who are planning to become pregnant should check with their doctor if they are up to date for mumps vaccine. If they need an MMR vaccine, it can be given up to 28 days before getting pregnant, or after giving birth.
All vaccines can have side effects, but most are not serious. Some people can have pain where the needle was given, fever, a rash or feel tired. Side effects usually happen within 10 days of the vaccine and only last a few days. Very rarely, some people can have a serious allergic reaction.
Talk to your doctor if you or your child have symptoms after a vaccine which you are concerned about.
Help and assistance
For further information please contact your local doctor, community health centre, or nearest public health unit or call 13 HEALTH 24 hours a day 7 days a week for the cost of a local call.
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Other Resources
- 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
- Queensland Health immunisation
- Immunisation Australia (call 1800 671 811)