Mumps resources

Mumps is an acute viral illness caused by the mumps virus. The virus is found most often in saliva. It is spread by direct contact or by droplets through sneezes and coughs. Mumps is most easily spread 48 hours before the symptoms begin. Most adults born before 1957 have been infected naturally and are probably immune. Mumps is characterized by fever and swelling of the salivary glands, giving the appearance of enlarged cheeks. Rare complications include meningitis, encephalitis, sterility (in men), arthritis, kidney disease, thyroid disease, and hearing impairment. Immunization is the best way to prevent mumps. Mumps protection is provided in the combination MMR vaccine together with measles and rubella.

• Mumps factsheet
• Questions and answers about mumps (CDC)

• CDC Q&A on mumps exposures and response in health care and school settings
  
  
• Reviews of mumps epidemiology and diagnosis:
  • Epi-Log Newsletter, April 2006: "Update: Multi-State Mumps Outbreak: United States" (PDF)
  • Vac-Scene Newsletter, January-February 2005: "When Mumps Isn't Mumps" (PDF)
    
    
• Illustrated instructions on collecting specimens for mumps testing (PDF)
  
  
• CDC mumps resources for health care professionals