Health Services

Mumps spreads by coughing, sneezing, or spraying saliva while talking. It also spreads by sharing cups, spoons, forks, baby bottles and other utensils. Mumps can spread if someone who has mumps goes to a place where many people are gathered.

• Babies younger than 1 year old.
• Children over 1 year of age who have not received at least 1 dose of mumps vaccine (MMR vaccine).
• Adults born in or after 1957 who have not been vaccinated or have not had mumps before.
• During outbreaks, immunized people who have close contact with people who have mumps may become infected. A third dose of mumps vaccine may be recommended during outbreaks.

Call your doctor if you or your child has the signs of mumps. They include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite and swollen cheeks or jaw.

Stay home and away from other people until you can see a doctor. Don't go to work or school. Stay away from family as much as possible so they don’t get sick. People with mumps can spread the disease for five or more days after getting swollen cheeks or jaw. 

• Get two doses of mumps vaccine (included in the MMR vaccine).
• Stay away from anyone who has mumps.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Don’t share cups, spoons, forks, baby bottles and other utensils.

Measles usually appears in two stages. First, the person develops a fever, runny nose and cough. After about three days, a raised, red spotty rash develops. The rash starts on the face and spreads downward, covering the body, arms and legs. Symptoms usually appear about eight to 12 days after exposure.

Measles is very contagious. It spreads through tiny droplets from the nose and mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You catch measles when you breathe in these droplets or touch contaminated surfaces then put your hands near your face.

The measles virus can survive in the air and on surfaces for several hours. You can't get measles more than once.

No specific treatment for measles exists. People with measles need to rest and drink fluids to keep hydrated. Some people may also need treatment for diarrhea, ear infections or pneumonia.

Vaccination is your best protection.

The vaccine usually comes bundled in the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR is very effective against measles. About 95% of people get protection after a single dose. Two doses protect 99% of people.

Children should get two doses of MMR: the first at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years old. Children can get the second dose of MMR as soon as four weeks after the first dose. Children need the second dose before school.

• Adults born after 1956 should have at least one dose of MMR.
• People born before 1957 are often immune, but should consider getting one dose of MMR.
• Adults, like healthcare workers, should get two doses of the MMR to ensure protection.
• Women who plan to have children should get the MMR at least four weeks before pregnancy.

Free Immunization Opportunities for Children - TPCHD

• Call your doctor or nurse right away to see if you need a vaccination.
• For unvaccinated people, MMR offers protection within three days of exposure to measles.
• People who can't get the vaccine can receive antibody treatment up to six days after exposure. This may not prevent measles, but it can make the disease milder.