Mumps

Mumps is a viral infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands in the cheeks and neck.

How is mumps spread?

Mumps is spread through saliva droplets in the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. You can become infected by breathing in these droplets or by touching objects contaminated with the virus. It is best to avoid sharing food or drinks with an infected person.

What are the symptoms of mumps?

Symptoms typically occur two to three weeks after exposure to the virus. Common symptoms include

• fever and headache
• aches and pains
• loss of appetite
• swelling of the salivary glands in the cheeks and neck
• swollen and painful testicles or ovaries

What are the risks of mumps?

Although complications from mumps are rare, they can be serious. Complications can include swelling of the brain (encephalitis), swelling of the brain lining (meningitis) in about 1 in 20 people, swelling of the testicles (about 1 in 4 males) or ovaries (about 1 in 20 females) which can cause sterility, permanent deafness (about 1 in 20,000 cases), and miscarriage if infection occurs in early pregnancy.

How can I prevent getting mumps?

The best way to prevent mumps is to get immunized. The mumps vaccine is combined with the measles and rubella vaccines (MMR) to protect against all three diseases with one shot. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than to get mumps disease. When you get immunized, you help protect others as well.

The MMR vaccine is given free (publicly funded) as part of the B.C. routine immunization schedule. Older children and adults can receive the vaccine if they have not been immunized and have not had disease.

Get immunized against mumps by making an appointment with your doctor, pharmacist (for those 4 years and older) or Public Health.

Learn where to get immunized and how to book an appointment