Mumps

MMR / MMRV Vaccine at Washington Township Medical Foundation

One of the conditions that the MMR vaccine immunizes an individual against is mumps, an illness that is now rare in the United States but once caused significant and widespread damage. A contagious disease that occurs because of a virus, mumps can be passed from an infected person to another individual through personal contact, as well as saliva and nasal secretions.

The defining characteristic of mumps is salivary gland swelling. This often gives the patient an appearance of a swollen jaw and face. Some people with mumps do not experience symptoms. Symptoms other than swelling of the salivary glands may include headaches, loss of appetite, fatigue, muscle aches, pain while swallowing / chewing, and fever.

Thanks to the widespread use of the MMR and MMRV vaccines, cases of mumps have largely been reduced in the United States. However, in other countries, mumps is still prevalent. Ask your doctor at Washington Township Medical Foundation if you are up to date with your immunizations.

Mumps may also cause serious complications such as:

• Inflammation of the pancreas, ovaries, breasts, testicles, brain, and / or membranes and brain / spinal fluid
• Miscarriage in pregnant women
• Hearing loss