Mumps causes inflammation in the parotid glands behind the jaw, under the ears. This can lead to swelling in the cheeks. Mumps is a virus that mainly spreads through the air. Children can be vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, which protects against mumps, measles and rubella.
Factsheet on mumps
How the virus is spread | Through the air or physical contact |
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Common symptoms | Fever, nasal cold, puffy cheek(s) due to inflamed parotid gland |
Serious symptoms | Meningitis, deafness |
Which vaccinations protect against this disease? | MMR vaccination |
The mumps virus spreads easily from person to person. People who have mumps can infect others by sneezing and coughing. The virus can also be transmitted via hand contact or surfaces like shared toys. Have you been exposed? It may take as long as 2 to 3 weeks before you become ill. You can already infect others in that period.
Protection against mumps
The MMR vaccine protects against mumps, measles and rubella. After 1 vaccine dose, 95% of children are protected; after 2 vaccine doses, 99% are protected. The vaccination against mumps also protects against measles and rubella. Read more about the MMR vaccination or read ‘How does vaccination work?’.
Mumps after a vaccination
Most children in the Netherlands have been vaccinated against mumps. There is a small risk that they could still get mumps. Adults sometimes also get mumps, even if they are vaccinated. Vaccinated people have a less serious course of illness. Have you had mumps before? Then you are unlikely to get it again. If you do get mumps again, you will have a mild case.
Information about vaccinating against mumps (MMR vaccination)