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Fact Sheet
Mumps
What is Mumps?
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Mumps is a disease caused by the mumps virus. It usually spreads by close face-to-face
interaction with an infected person.
In the past, mumps infection was common in childhood but is now uncommon in Auckland
due to immunisation. Immunisation is our main protection against the disease.
How will I know if I have mumps?
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Common symptoms include:
o fever, loss of appetite, tiredness and headaches followed by
o swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands.
About one third of infected people do not show any symptoms at all.
A doctor will usually diagnose mumps based on the person's symptoms and signs. They may
request a blood test or a swab from the throat or urine to confirm the diagnosis.
What are the complications from mumps?
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Complications from the mumps are uncommon but can include:
o inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), the lining of the brain and spinal cord
(meningitis), the testicles (orchitis), the ovaries (oophoritis), breasts (mastitis),
spontaneous abortion (in the first trimester) and hearing loss.
Sterility (inability to have children) in males is rare.
Mumps has no specific treatment. Simple analgesics may reduce pain and fever. Warm or
cold packs to the swollen glands may provide relief.
How is mumps spread?
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Mumps is spread when a person breathes in the virus that has been coughed or sneezed into
the air by an infectious person. It can also spread from person to person via direct contact
with infected saliva (e.g. touching a contaminated tissue or computer keyboard).
People with mumps can transmit the disease up to 7 days before and 5 days after swelling of
the salivary glands begins.
The time from being exposed to the virus and becoming sick ranges from 12 to 25 days, but is
commonly 16 to 18 days.
Who is at risk of getting mumps?
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Anyone who comes into contact with infectious mumps can get mumps, unless they have
been infected or immunised in the past.
Visit www.arphs.govt.nz | Call 09 623 4600 | Fax 09 623 4633 |
Auckland Regional Public Health Service |
@aklpublichealth
Fact Sheet
How can I prevent getting mumps?
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The MMR vaccine protects against mumps. It should be given to children at age 12 to 15
months and again at four years of age.
People with mumps should stay at home for 5 days after the onset of swelling to help stop
spreading the virus to others.
If you suspect you/your child is sick with mumps phone your GP or Healthline on 0800 611 116.
For more information on immunisation, please call the Immunisation Advisory Centre free on
0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863) or visit their website www.immune.org.nz
Version updated February 2017
Visit www.arphs.govt.nz | Call 09 623 4600
Auckland Regional Public Health Service
Rātonga Hauora ā Iwi o Tamaki Makaurau