What is mumps?

Mumps is a contagious illness caused by a virus that infects the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands (between the ear and the jaw), and that sometimes infects other glands, particularly the testicles. The glands become swollen and tender as a result of the infection.

Other symptoms include belly pain and flu-like problems. Mumps can affect people of all ages. In adults, symptoms may be more severe, and complications are more likely. Most people get better with rest and home care. But some people need treatment in the hospital.

Although mumps is not common, it can spread to people who have not received the mumps vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella series).

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that causes painful, swollen salivary glands. It is transmitted by breathing contaminated air or by touching contaminated objects. Mumps usually is not a serious disease, but its complications can cause inflammation in the testes, the brain, the covering of the brain (meningitis), the pancreas, and the kidneys.

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Mumps is a disease that spreads easily from person to person, usually through coughing or sneezing.

It causes fever, headache and swollen glands around the jaw. It can lead to hearing loss, meningitis and painful, swollen testicles in men.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine prevents against these diseases. Your baby gets the MMR vaccine in two doses: the first between 12 and 15 months, the second between 4 and 6 years.

If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, make sure you’re protected against mumps. If you need to get vaccinated, get the MMR vaccine before pregnancy. Wait 1 month before trying to get pregnant after getting the shot.