Mumps is a viral infection that often involves the swelling of the salivary glands. It is spread by coughing and sneezing. Complications from mumps can include meningitis, inflammation of the testicles or ovaries, inflammation of the pancreas, and deafness. Anyone who is not immune from either previous mumps infection or from vaccination can get mumps.
Children should get their first dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine at 12 months old or later. The second dose of the MMR vaccine is usually administered before the child begins kindergarten. Students (including college students), health care workers, and international travelers should receive two doses of MMR vaccine.
Outbreaks
Child care facilities with low vaccination rates are at increased risk for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Lookup vaccination rates:
Child Care/Preschool |
Kindergarten |
7th Grade