Mumps and You

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Samuel Whitten
  • 92nd Medical Group
Mumps is a contagious viral infection that can cause pain and swelling in the salivary glands.

Mumps is spread through the saliva or mucus from an infected person and is transmitted to another by coughing, sneezing or talking and sharing items, such as cups or eating utensils.

The most common symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, loss of appetite, muscle aches, tiredness and swelling and pain in the jaw.

The best preventive measure for mumps, is to receive the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine. Receiving the two-dose MMR vaccine has an 88 percent effectiveness at preventing mumps. Those with the vaccine that do contract mumps will likely experience a less severe illness.

Good hygiene practices are also a great way to prevent mumps and illness.

Clean your hands and the surfaces around you. Clean hands often before and after eating and preparing food, caring for someone who is sick, coughing or sneezing and after using the bathroom.

Also clean surfaces that are touched often such as phones, faucets, light switches, countertops, door and cabinet handles, keyboard and mouse and TV remotes. Use clean tissues and discard after each use and cough or sneeze into your sleeve when you don't have a tissue.

With the outbreak of mumps in Spokane, it’s more important than ever to ensure you and your families MMR vaccines are up to date. If you show any symptoms described above then you may require further evaluation and management by a medical provider.

For an appointment at the 92nd Medical Group, call: (509) 247-2361. After normal operating hours, contact the Nurse Advice Line to receive additional information and recommendation for treatment options, 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273).

For more information please refer to the Center for Disease Control and Spokane Regional Health District.