Mumps Information

Mumps outbreak in Washington state
Washington currently has an outbreak of mumps diseasMumpse. The best way to prevent your child from getting the disease is by making sure they’ve received the required doses of MMR vaccine.

About Mumps:
• Mumps is a contagious disease caused by the mumps virus. It is mostly spread by contact with saliva from someone who is infected.
• Those infected with mumps usually are contagious for 2 days before symptoms appear and for 5
days after, so those who are infected can spread it without realizing it. There is no treatment for
mumps, but there is prevention in the form of a vaccine.
• The most distinctive sign of mumps is swelling of salivary glands in one or both cheeks that starts in front of the ear and can spread down to the neck or jaw (parotitis), though not everyone who is infected gets this.
• Mumps symptoms also can include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
• Potential complications of mumps include hearing loss, meningitis (swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord), and changes in mental function of the brain if affected.
• Symptoms generally last about a week.
• The best protection against mumps is the combination MMR vaccine, which protects against
• measles, mumps, and rubella viruses.
• MMR vaccine is recommended for children aged 12 to 15 months, with a second dose at 4 to 6 years.

Vaccinations

MMR vaccination is required for school, preschool, and child care entry in Washington.
• 2 doses of MMR vaccine are required for kindergarten–12th grade.
• 1 dose of MMR is required for child care or preschool by 16 months of age.

Additional Resources
www.doh.wa.gov/mumps (Washington mumps outbreak news and resources)
http://www.snohd.org (Snohomish Health District)

"Stop: Consider Mumps" Sign

Mumps Facts