Mumps FAQs

What is mumps?

Mumps is a contagious (spreads easily from person to person) illness that is caused by a virus
Mumps can be prevented by getting vaccinated
Mumps can infect people of all ages
Once you’ve had mumps, it is unlikely you will get it again

You become infected when you breathe in droplets of infected saliva or mucus or touch a surface contaminated with the mumps virus
The virus is spread easily through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes
The virus can also be spread through contact with an infected person’s saliva, such as: kissing, sharing food and drinks, sharing cigarettes, or sharing toys

Mumps is a virus that causes painful swelling of the cheeks and neck, fever, dry mouth, headache, earache, tiredness, sore muscles, loss of appetite, and trouble talking, chewing, or swallowing
Symptoms usually last around 7 - 10 days
Many people who get infected with the mumps virus will have mild symptoms or not be sick at all. However even with mild or no symptoms at all you can still spread the virus to others
If you have more serious symptoms, such as a stiff neck or a severe headache, painful testicles, or severe belly pain, call your doctor right away

Most people recover fully from mumps within 7 - 10 days with no complications
In rare cases, there may be severe complications in children or adults including:
Temporary or permanent loss of hearing
- Meningitis (infection of the membrane surrounding the brain)
- Encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
- Pain, tenderness, and swelling of the testes, ovaries or breasts and in very rare cases may result in sterility (inability to have a baby)
- If pregnant women get mumps in the first three months of pregnancy they may lose their baby (have a miscarriage)

Mumps is diagnosed based on your symptoms, possible exposure, and your immunization history
Your health care provider will confirm the diagnosis with a:
- Physical examination
- Blood test
- Swab or saliva sample
- Urine sample (in some cases)

There is no cure for mumps
Infections like mumps that are caused by a virus, cannot be treated with antibiotics so the disease must run its course
Your healthcare provider may prescribe or recommend medications such as pain killers to help with your symptoms
You should drink plenty of fluids, get lots of rest and eat soft foods you can tolerate

If you think you have mumps or have come into contact with someone who has mumps, call your health care provider or public health clinic for direction
If you are diagnosed with mumps, follow your health care provider’s advice. Likely, you will need to stay home to prevent spreading the virus
You are most contagious from 2 days before the onset of the swelling in your neck and cheeks until 5 days after
If you are diagnosed with mumps, you can prevent the spread by:
- Avoid close contact with other household members such as hugging and kissing
- Avoid sharing drinking glasses or utensils
- Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or forearm
- Frequently wash your hands

Immunization with a mumps-containing vaccine is the best way to protect you, your children and your community from getting mumps
Vaccines that protect against mumps are safe and effective
Mumps is part of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine and the MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) vaccine
In the Northwest Territories, vaccines that prevent mumps are free of charge to NWT residents
Once enough people in the community have either been infected with the disease or are protected through vaccination, the disease can no longer spread from person to person. This is called “herd immunity”

See the NWT Immunization Schedule for more information