Mumps

What is mumps? 

Mumps is a disease caused by a virus.  

What are the symptoms? 

Symptoms may include: 

• fever, headache, muscle aches
• swollen and tender glands at angle of the jaw
• swollen and tender testicles in teenage and adult men 

Some people may not have any symptoms at all. 

How is mumps spread?

Mumps is spread by contact with discharge from the nose or throat. The mumps virus can be spread for a few days before symptoms appear and for up to 5 days after. 

Adults and children with mumps must stay home from any group setting for five days after they first have symptoms. This includes school, college or university, childcare facilities, and workplaces. 

Who can get mumps? 

Most often, it is school-age children who get mumps. Young adults may also get it. 

Is it serious? 

Mumps can be serious. Most people recover but mumps can lead to meningitis (a swelling of the covering of the brain), swelling of the ovaries, inflammation of the pancreas, and short-term or permanent hearing loss. These reactions are rare, but they do happen. 

Mumps can be especially serious for pregnant women. Pregnant women who get mumps risk having a miscarriage, premature or early labour, and low birth weight babies.  

Pregnant women who are in contact with anyone who has mumps should contact their family doctor, obstetrician, or midwife. 

What is the treatment?

There is no treatment for mumps. Relief for symptoms can include over-the-counter pain relievers, using cold or warm cloths to soothe affected areas and drinking plenty of fluids.

How can you prevent mumps? 

Getting vaccinated is your best protection against mumps. If you have not had mumps or not received the mumps vaccine, avoid close contact with anyone who has mumps. 

Who is eligible for a mumps-containing vaccine?

Mumps-containing vaccines are part of the routine immunization schedule for Nova Scotians:

• 2 doses of Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) vaccine at 12 months and 18 months old
• 2 doses of Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine for people born in 1970 or later

Travellers are eligible for additional mumps-containing vaccines:

• 1 dose of MMR vaccine for infants between 6 months and 12 months old 

  Children who receive a measles vaccine for travel between 6 months and 12 months old require two doses of MMRV vaccine after their first birthday to complete the routine series and be fully protected.

• 1 dose of MMR vaccine for adults and adolescents without measles immunity.

Eligible individuals can receive mumps vaccine free of charge. If you have questions about eligibility, please discuss with your immunizer.