Mumps
Mumps is a contagious disease caused by the mumps virus.
Mumps is best known for causing puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. This is a result of swollen salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides, often referred to as parotitis.
Prevention through Immunization
Mumps is a vaccine-preventable disease. Two ways to protect you and your family:
- The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella
- The MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox)
Children should get two doses of the MMR vaccine. NC Child Care and School Immunization Requirements
Learn more: The MMRV vaccine (CDC)
How it spreads
- Mumps spreads through droplets of saliva or mucus from an infected person’s mouth, nose or throat. This can happen when the person coughs, sneezes or talks.
- Contaminated items (like cups or utensils) can spread the virus if shared.
- Contaminated surfaces can also spread the virus. If you are sick and don't wash your hands then touch a surface, you could spread the virus. If you touch a contaminated surface and don't wash your hands, then touch your mouth or nose, you can get sick.
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This page was last modified on 11/02/2025