MUMPS
Patient Information Leaflet
What is Mumps?
Mumps is an acute viral illness affecting the salivary glands. The virus can
spread to glands in the reproductive system e.g. testes in men and ovaries in
women. The virus can also affect the meninges (the lining of the brain and
spinal cord).
Mumps is more common in the winter months and spring, however cases do
occur throughout the year. There has been a significant increase in the
number of mumps cases throughout Scotland since November 2003.
What are the symptoms?
Up to 20% of people who get the mumps virus do not display any symptoms
at all. In addition almost 50% may only have very mild symptoms.
The length of time between a person being in contact with the infection and
having symptoms, the incubation time is 2 to 3 weeks but is usually around 18
days.
At first the symptoms can be very mild and include:
Pain and swelling of the glands close to the jaw (parotitis) which may
affect either one or both sides.
Low grade fever
Headache
Aching muscles
Loss of appetite
Occasionally other complications occur e.g.:
Testicular swelling. (It is extremely rare for this to make a man sterile)
Ovarian swelling. (this can cause lower abdominal pain )
Viral meningitis
How does it spread?
Mumps is passed on through:
Breathing in infected droplets of moisture released from the mouth or
nose of an infected person when they sneeze or cough.
Contact with fluids from the mouth or nose of an infected person e.g. from
used tissues or when kissing.
September 2006
What precautions should I take?
People who have been diagnosed with mumps should not attend work, school
etc until 7 days after the start of the swelling and they are feeling completely
well.
If the person with mumps has contact with unvaccinated people e.g. attends
or works in a nursery school, they should stay off for 10 days after the start of
the swelling.
If you or someone close to you has mumps you should, as always, be very
careful with hand hygiene, thoroughly washing hands using a liquid soap.
Each member of the family should have their own towel.
Pay particular attention to handwashing after coughing and handling objects
soiled with fluids from the infected persons mouth or nose e.g. used tissues.
Dispose of tissues of directly into the bin after use.
Can I be vaccinated against mumps?
Yes.
MMR vaccine provides very good protection against measles, mumps and
rubella. 2 doses are needed to offer full protection. This vaccine is normally
given at 12 to 15 months and 3 to 5 years of age.
In Scotland, MMR vaccine is being offered free by GPs to people who have
not had 2 doses of MMR vaccine and are under 26 years of age. This group
is likely to be only partially immunised or unimmunised and is the group most
at risk from mumps throughout Scotland.
Will I require treatment?
No treatment is usually required for mumps. However if you have any
concerns about your health you should seek advice from your GP.
If you need this or any other NHS Grampian
publication in an alternative format (large print) or
in another language please contact the Health
Protection Team on 01224 558520
September 2006
