Mumps: Spread, prevention and risks
On this page
- How mumps spreads
- Preventing mumps with vaccination
- Prevention during an outbreak or after an exposure
- Who is most at risk
How mumps spreads
The mumps virus is highly contagious, spreading from person to person. You can become infected when:
- you breathe infectious particles in
- infectious particles or secretions (like saliva or mucus) come into direct contact with your eyes, nose or mouth
You may also become infected if you touch a contaminated surface or object and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unclean hands. However, this type of spread is less common.
If you’re infected, the mumps virus can live in your nose, mouth, eyes and on your skin.
You can pass the infection on to others even before you know you’re sick. You’re most contagious about 2 days before your cheek and jaw begin to swell to about 5 days after. About 20% of people who are infected with the virus won’t show symptoms or know they can spread the disease.
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Preventing mumps with vaccination
Canada generally has high vaccination rates against mumps, but there are communities and regions where vaccination rates are low. Mumps cases and outbreaks still happen in Canada.
There are 2 types of vaccines for mumps available in Canada. One protects against mumps along with measles and rubella. The other also protects against chickenpox (varicella). They are the:
- measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
- measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine
Children usually receive their first dose of a mumps-containing vaccine when they’re between 12 and 15 months old. A second dose is given at least 3 months after the first dose, or before school entry. The vaccination schedule and vaccine used depends on the province or territory. Talk to a health care provider or visit your province or territory's website to learn more about your child’s routine vaccination schedule.
Receiving 2 doses of a mumps-containing vaccine is about 90% effective for preventing mumps. It’s still possible to be infected with mumps while fully vaccinated. However, vaccination greatly reduces the risk of complications from the disease.
Vaccination after exposure doesn’t prevent infection or decrease the severity of symptoms. However, a health care provider may recommend it for potential future exposures if you don’t become infected.
Learn more:
- Who is most at risk of getting mumps
- Vaccines and medications before travel
- Vaccines for children: Childhood vaccination schedule
Adults born before 1970
If you were born before 1970, it’s very likely you were infected with the mumps virus when you were younger and now have immunity. However, it may be recommended that you receive a mumps-containing vaccine to ensure protection if you’re at increased risk of exposure. This may be the case if you’re:
- a health care provider
- travelling outside of Canada
- attending post-secondary education, such as college or university
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Adults born in or after 1970
Most adults born in or after 1970 have received at least 1 dose of a mumps-containing vaccine. In 1996 and 1997, a 2-dose schedule of the MMR vaccine became routine in Canada. The first MMRV vaccine became available in 2007.
You should receive a dose of a mumps-containing vaccine if you never had mumps and:
- were born in or after 1970 and
- didn’t receive a dose of a mumps-containing vaccine
Your health care provider may recommend that you receive a second dose to make sure you’re protected if you’re at increased risk of exposure. These include people who:
- are a health care worker
- are travelling outside of Canada
- attend post-secondary education, such as college or university
Talk to a health care provider or your local public health unit or office to make sure you’ve had all the mumps-containing vaccine doses recommended for you.
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People who are pregnant or immunocompromised
People who are pregnant or immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system) aren’t generally recommended to receive a mumps-containing vaccine. However, they should consult with a health care provider if they're not previously vaccinated and are at risk of exposure to mumps.
These people rely on others to be vaccinated so that the virus won’t spread to them. This strategy is called community immunity or herd immunity.
Safety of mumps-containing vaccines
Mumps-containing vaccines have a well-established record of safety. Serious side effects of mumps-containing vaccines are very rare. Canada continuously monitors the safety of all vaccines that are approved for use in Canada.
After vaccination, it's common to have mild and temporary side effects at the site where the vaccine was given, including swelling, soreness and redness. These side effects come from the body's immune responses, as the body is working to build protection against the disease.
Within 1 to 3 weeks after vaccination, some people may develop 1 or more of the following reactions:
- fever
- mild rash with small red spots on the face and limbs
- temporary joint pain or stiffness
- swelling of the cheeks or jaw
These reactions are normal and usually go away within a few days. Children may also be more fussy than usual after vaccination. You can take medication if needed for pain or fever. Check with a health care provider if you have any concerns or need advice about how to manage them.
Rarely, someone may have a serious reaction to a vaccine, including an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction typically happen soon after vaccination and can include:
- red rash on the skin (hives)
- breathing problems (wheezing)
- swelling of the face, tongue or throat
Another very rare but potentially serious reaction is unexpected bleeding or bruising. Contact a health care provider if you notice any unusual signs, such as:
- bruising (for example, bruising very easily, larger bruises than you would expect or bruising you can’t explain)
- bleeding (for example, bleeding from your gums, frequent nosebleeds or bleeding that won’t stop after applying first aid)
If you suspect you might be having a serious reaction after a vaccination, seek medical care right away. Serious reactions following vaccination should also be reported to your local public health unit or office. Tell a health care provider about any serious reactions you've experienced before you receive future vaccinations.
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Prevention during an outbreak or after an exposure
You’re at risk of getting mumps if there's an outbreak in your community and you aren't immune. Talk to your health care provider about what you can do to prevent getting infected. For instance, checking that your vaccinations are up to date.
If you’re exposed to someone with mumps, talk to your health care provider. They can assess your risk of becoming infected and provide you with personalized advice.
Learn more:
- Complications of mumps
- Preventing mumps with vaccination
- If you’re diagnosed with mumps: Contact tracing
- Vaccine records: Access your or your child’s vaccination history
- Respiratory infectious diseases: Reduce your risk with personal protective measures
Who is most at risk
People who have never had mumps or who haven’t been vaccinated are at risk of being infected.
Some people may be at increased risk of being exposed to mumps because of their work, school or other close-contact environments. These include people who:
- are a health care worker
- are travelling outside of Canada
- attend post-secondary education, such as college or university
Mumps was commonly thought of as a childhood disease. However, with the start of routine vaccination (immunization) programs in 1969, the number of cases has dropped by 99%. Most cases reported now occur in teenagers and adults:
- who have not been vaccinated
- who are partially vaccinated
- as protection from childhood vaccination fades
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