Quick Facts: Mumps
Mumps is an illness caused by the mumps virus. It spreads through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat. An infected person can spread the virus by:
- Coughing, sneezing, or talking
- Sharing items such as cups or eating utensils with others
- Touching objects or surfaces with unwashed hands that are then touched by others.
The most common symptoms of mumps include:
- Swollen and tender salivary glands, on one or both sides of the face
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
Mumps likely spreads before the salivary glands begin to swell and up to five days after the swelling begins. Symptoms last 7 to 10 days. Serious complications are rare. This is a contagious disease that usually resolves without antibiotics or antiviral medication in 5 days.
There is no treatment for mumps, but the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent it.
#HealthyDawg Hint: Most UGA students have the MMR vaccine, as it is required for registration with very few exceptions.
Care for people who are diagnosed with mumps usually involves analgesics, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and warm or cold packs applied to painful swollen glands.
If you are sick and think you may have been exposed to mumps, please call the University Health Center and speak with the nurse in your Primary Care Medical Clinic (Blue, Green, Gold, or Red). Not sure which clinic you’re in? No problem! Log into the UHC Patient Portal at www.uhs.uga.edu using your UGA MyID and password to find out.
It is recommended that people who are sick with mumps strictly isolate themselves when ill -please don’t attend classes, ride the bus, or eat in dining halls. It is preferred that UGA students who may get sick with mumps return to their family home if that is feasible.
Click here for more CDC information on Mumps.
FamilyDoctor.org also has more information – click here.