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Mumps
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Infections

Mumps

Mumps is a viral illness characterized by fever and swollen salivary glands that is now rare in the U.S. due to routine vaccination.

Overview

Mumps is an illness caused by the mumps virus. It starts with:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Tiredness
  • Loss of appetite

After that, the salivary glands under the ears or jaw become swollen and tender. The swelling can be on one or both sides of the face. Symptoms last 7 to 10 days. Serious complications are rare.

Transmission and Prevention

You can catch mumps by being with another person who has it. There is no treatment for mumps, but the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent it.

Before the routine vaccination program in the United States, mumps was a common illness in infants, children and young adults. Now it is a rare disease in the U.S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions

While most cases of mumps are mild, the virus can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious complications. In males, it can cause orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), which may lead to pain and swelling. In females, it can cause oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries). Other rare but serious complications include meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (brain inflammation), and pancreatitis. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, or severe abdominal pain.
Yes, it is possible to get mumps even after vaccination, although it is much less common and usually milder than in unvaccinated individuals. This is known as a breakthrough infection. The MMR vaccine is highly effective, but no vaccine is 100% protective. If you have had two doses of the MMR vaccine and are exposed to mumps, your risk is significantly lower, but you should still monitor for symptoms and consult your healthcare provider if you develop fever or swollen glands.
Mumps is often diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical exam, particularly the presence of swollen salivary glands. However, because other conditions can cause similar symptoms, a healthcare provider may order a blood test or a throat swab to confirm the presence of the mumps virus. This is especially important in cases where the diagnosis is unclear or to confirm the infection in a vaccinated individual. Early diagnosis helps in managing isolation and preventing spread to others.
person with mumps is generally considered contagious from 7 days before the salivary glands begin to swell until 5 days after the swelling starts. This means a person can spread the virus even before they show obvious symptoms. To prevent transmission, individuals with mumps should stay home and avoid contact with others, especially those who are unvaccinated or have not completed their MMR series, for at least 5 days after the onset of parotid gland swelling.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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