Mumps

Important note: There is an international shortage of the separate mumps vaccine due to the American manufacturer, Merck, halting production of the mumps vaccine until early 2009.  Due to this suspended production, we are unable to offer the mumps vaccination until production resumes.  We do, however, have an uninterrupted supply of rubella and measles vaccines.

Mumps is an infectious disease that causes swelling of the saliva-producing glands near the ears. The swelling often occurs on one side and can spread to both sides.

Incubation is usually 14 to 21 days after exposure to the virus and the infection can last 7-10 days, though the duration of the illness varies.

Common symptoms include painful swelling in front of and below the ears, often with pain when eating or moving the jaw. Sometimes this is accompanied by headaches, loss of appetite, fever and lethargy.

Complications include hearing impairment, painful inflammation of the testicles in boys/young men, and painful inflammation of the ovaries in girls/young women.