09/05/25 Public Health Education Topic: Mumps

Per CDC

Key points

• Mumps is a contagious viral infection that can be serious.

• Common symptoms include painful swelling of the jaw, fever, tiredness, appetite loss, and headache.

• Get vaccinated for mumps with the MMR vaccine, especially before travelling internationally.

  
  

Who is at risk

Anyone who is not protected against mumps is at risk of getting the disease.

Some groups of people have a higher likelihood of spreading disease because they are constantly in close contact with each other. These include school-aged children, students at post-high school educational institutions, and healthcare personnel.

People traveling internationally to areas where mumps is still common, or people near outbreaks, are also more likely to get mumps.

How it spreads

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by the mumps virus. It spreads through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose, or throat.

You can get mumps and spread the virus by:

• Coughing, sneezing, or talking.

• Sharing items that may have saliva on them, such as water bottles or cups.

• Participating in close-contact activities with others, like playing sports, dancing, or kissing.

When people are contagious

A person infected with mumps can spread it:

• Beginning a few days before their salivary glands begin to swell.

• Until up to 5 days after swelling begins.

Alert others if you are infected with mumps!‎

Let your doctor know right away if you think you or someone in your family may have mumps. Limit your contact with others for up to 5 days after swelling begins. Stay home from school, work, and do not attend social events.

To learn more visit: About Mumps | Mumps | CDC