Mumps

Why are people concerned about mumps now?

In winter and spring 2006, at least 11 states in the midwest of the United States have experienced a large outbreak of mumps. The outbreak is believed to have started in college students, and the predominant age group affected has been 18 to 24 year olds. Transmission has been widespread in college-age students for reasons that may include social interactions, living environment, and local and interstate travel.

Importance of prevention

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College Health Association (ACHA) believe that it is critically important to decrease the risk of mumps among students and others in the communities in which they reside. The most effective strategy to protect college students from mumps is to ensure that all students have natural immunity or appropriate vaccination.

Immunization requirements for Cornell University students

Following the new recommendations from the CDC and ACHA, Cornell's requirements for mumps vaccination have changed since the printing of the most recent Health History form. ALL students enrolled in six or more credits must have EITHER:

• TWO doses of live vaccine, with the first dose administered no more than 4 days before the first birthday. The two doses must be administered a minimum of 28 days apart; OR
• other evidence of immunity (i.e., documentation of physician-diagnosed mumps or protective antibody titre).

Students who need a mumps vaccine can get it at Gannett for $55 (price subject to change). Students who want an antibody titre (laboratory test) can also get that done at Gannett. Call 255-5155 for an immunization appointment.

Need more information?

If you have questions or concerns, please read the information on this web page or talk with a nurse at Gannett.

What is mumps?

Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection with fever and swelling of the parotid glands (under the cheeks and jaw). Once a common childhood illness, it is now rarely seen in the United States. Widespread use of the mumps vaccine provides lifelong immunity.

What causes mumps?

The virus that causes mumps is in the paramyxovirus family of viruses, which also includes measles. This virus is usually spread through contact with an infected person's saliva. The mumps virus is highly contagious, and spreads easily among people in close contact.

Are there particular risk factors for mumps?

People who have been properly immunized have a very low risk of contracting mumps. Those at risk include: 

• Unvaccinated individuals who have been exposed to people actively infected with mumps
• People born after 1956 who have never had mumps or were not vaccinated after their first birthday
• People who have a weakened immune system, even if they have been vaccinated
• Mumps usually affects people between 10 and 19
• People are more likely to contract mumps in winter and spring

What are the symptoms of mumps?

About one-third of people with mumps have no symptoms at all. Symptoms generally occur 2-3 weeks following exposure to the virus.

Mumps may cause some or all of the following symptoms:

• Painful swelling of the parotid glands (under the cheeks and jaw)
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Nausea and vomiting
• Drowsiness

Occasionally, other areas may also be affected, such as:

• Swelling and pain under the tongue, jaw, or front of the chest
• In males: painful inflammation of the testicles
• In females: inflammation of the ovaries, which results in pain or tenderness in the abdomen

In otherwise healthy, well-nourished children, complications from mumps are rare. These may include deafness (which may not be permanent) or swelling or infection of the brain, pancreas, heart or other organs. Up to 20% of adolescent boys and men develop testicular inflammation; fertility is impaired in 13%, but sterility is rare.

How is mumps diagnosed?

Diagnosis of mumps is determined by symptoms, personal medical history, and physical exam. Testing is rarely required although in certain situations it may be recommended.

Can mumps be treated?

There are no medications or specific treatment for mumps. Mumps is caused by a virus, and therefore cannot be treated with antibiotics. Mumps should not be treated with aspirin. (Aspirin is not recommended for children or teens with a current or recent viral infection. Check with your doctor before giving a child aspirin.)

In general, mumps will last about 10-12 days. The following are general comfort measures:

• Apply hot or cold compresses to swollen areas.
• Gargle with warm salt water to soothe sore throat.
• Treat high fever with non-aspirin medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Drink plenty of liquids, but avoid tart or acidic drinks, such as orange juice and lemonade.
• Eat a soft, bland diet.

Is there anything that can be done to prevent mumps?

Mumps can be prevented by vaccine. The vaccine is usually given as part of the mumps-measles-rubella (MMR) vaccine series. The MMR series is given to children beginning at 12-15 months, and again at 4-6 years old or 11-12 years old.

Check with your doctor or healthcare provider to learn about the exceptions and special circumstances regarding the MMR vaccine. In general, people who should not receive mumps vaccinations include:

• Those who have had severe allergic reactions to vaccines or vaccine components (such as gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin)
• Women who are pregnant (Women receiving the mumps vaccination should avoid pregnancy for three months after receiving the vaccination)
• People with a weakened immune system
• People with a high fever or severe upper respiratory tract infection (they should delay immunization until these symptoms have resolved)

Any unvaccinated person who has not had mumps should avoid contact with an infected person until all symptoms have subsided.

References

• www.healthfinder.gov (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
• www.acha.org (American College Health Association)