What causes mumps?
Mumps is spread from person to person by a germ called a virus. It is spread from an infected person to others by coughing, sneezing, and talking. Your child can also catch mumps by eating or drinking from cups, plates, or utensils used by the infected person. The disease can spread to anyone who has not had an MMR shot or mumps in the past. An infected person can spread mumps from two days before to ten days after signs and symptoms first appear. Once your child has mumps, he is immune (will not get it again).
