Mumps Frequently Asked Questions –Spring 2006
What is mumps?
Mumps is an acute viral disease characterized by fever, swelling and tenderness of one or more of the salivary glands.Although older people may contract the disease, mumps usually occurs in children between the ages of five and fifteen. Mumps occurs less regularly than other common childhood communicable diseases. The greatest risk of infection occurs among older children. Mumps is more common during winter and spring.
Mumps is spread like the common cold by direct contact with saliva and discharge from the nose and throat of infected individuals.
What are the symptoms of mumps?
Symptoms include fever, swelling and tenderness of one or more of the salivary glands, usually the glands just below and in front of the ear. Approximately one third of infected individuals do not exhibit symptoms.
How soon after infection do symptoms appear?
The incubation period is usually 16 - 18 days although it may vary from 12 - 25 days.
When and for how long is a person able to spread mumps?
Mumps is contagious three days prior to and four days after the onset of symptoms. A person is most contagious 48 hours prior to the appearance of symptoms.
There is no specific treatment for mumps. Antibiotics are generally not prescribed since it is a viral illness. Rest, drinking fluids, and taking ibuprofen are typically advised.
Does past infection with mumps make a person immune?
Yes. Immunity acquired after contracting the disease is usually permanent.
What can be done to prevent the spread of mumps?
Students should not attend classes during their infectious period. Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when you sneeze or cough and wash your hands frequently. Do not share food or drinks with others. The single most effective control measure is maintaining the highest possible level of immunization in the community.
What should I do if I think I have mumps?
Call the Student Health Center at 882-7481 for an appointment right away. Tell the person making your appointment that you suspect that you might have mumps. You may be asked to wear a mask when you enter the Student Health Center.
If you are symptomatic, we will test for mumps and ask you to stay home from work and class and to limit close contact with others for up to 9 days after the symptoms start. This is the time when the illness is most contagious. This is an extremely important public health measure that will help limit the spread of illness to others.
How do I know if I have been vaccinated against mumps?
Check your vaccination records. You may call the Student Health Center and ask to have your medical records checked for 2 MMRs. If you have not been vaccinated or only partially vaccinated, the vaccine is available at Student Health; however, it takes two weeks for the body to build effective immunity after the vaccination. If you have not received any MMR vaccination, you will need two doses spaced 28 days apart.
If your records show that you have 2 MMRs and you desire further confirmation of immunity, a blood test called Mumps Titer, checks for the presence of immunity in your body. The test is available at the Student Health Center and currently costs $30.
Can I still get mumps even if I have been previously immunized?
Yes. Information obtained from the CDC, which is monitoring the outbreak of mumps in the state of Iowa, shows that 65% of the patients with mumps had previously been immunized with 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. If you have received 2 MMRs, there is no recommendation for a 3rd MMR, even if a mumps blood test indicates you are not immune to mumps.
What should I do if I have not been immunized against mumps?
It is always a good idea to practice disease prevention such as washing your hands frequently, not sharing drinking glasses or tableware, covering your cough and using disposable tissues, and living a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, although vaccination will not provide immediate immunity, this is a good time to update your vaccines if you are not current.
Can the mumps cause sterility?
Swelling of the testicles occurs in 15-25% of infected males. Of those who develop swelling of the testicles, rarely do they become sterile.
What should I do if a friend has been diagnosed with mumps?
It is very important that your friend stay home from classes, work, and other public activities for up to 9 days following the onset of his or her illness. There is no specific treatment for mumps. Student Health Center recommends rest, consumption of ample amounts of fluids and healthy foods, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for pain or fever.
Where can I get more information on mumps?
University of Missouri Student Health Center (573-882-7481)
Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/diseases/mumps/default.htm