Mumps in Children

What is mumps?

Mumps is a contagious virus that causes swelling of the salivary glands creating tender, puffy cheeks and jaw. This virus can impact any age and can be prevented with a routine vaccine, the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella.  

What causes mumps?

A virus causes mumps and it’s spread through direct contact with respiratory droplets or saliva through your nose or mouth. It can spread through sneezing, coughing, sharing a water bottle, kissing or sports with close contact.

Who gets mumps?

Although mumps is more common in children, anyone can get the virus.

Anyone who has not had the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is at risk for catching mumps.

While MMR vaccination rates in the United States are high, in some countries mumps is still common, so traveling internationally to those locations can put someone at higher risk. You can still catch the mumps virus even if you are vaccinated, but your illness will be milder and you’re less likely to suffer from complications.

What are the signs and symptoms of mumps?

The most common symptom of mumps is swollen salivary glands, creating the appearance of a puffy jaw. This could happen on one or both sides.

It takes 2 to 4 weeks to show symptoms of mumps after the initial infection.

The first symptoms can be similar to the flu, such as:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headaches

What tests are used to diagnose mumps?

The preferred way to diagnose mumps is through a buccal swab specimen, a method using a swab on the cheek to collect a sample. This sample can be used to confirm an infection.

What is the treatment for mumps?

There is no specific cure for mumps, so treatment involves addressing symptoms via pain relieving medication or cool compresses on swollen cheeks. Most people recover within two weeks.

How can we prevent mumps?

You can protect your child against mumps by getting them the MMR vaccine, which is very safe and effective.

Children need to get two doses:

• The first dose when they are between 12 and 15 months old.
• The second dose before entering school, between 4 and 6 years old.

Your child’s doctor may offer the MMRV vaccine, which protects them against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox). Children between 12 months and 12 years of age can get the MMRV vaccine. This vaccine can be used in place of the MMR vaccine if a child needs to have a varicella vaccine along with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccines. Your child’s doctor can help you decide which vaccine to use.

Helpful resources

The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment provides additional information and data about mumps.