Who is at risk for mumps?
Anyone who has not had two doses of mumps-containing vaccine (usually measles-mumps-rubella, or MMR) is at risk for mumps, but the risk is greatest for international travelers or individuals who are in contact with international travelers. Mumps occurs in the United States but is more common in other parts of the world. Anyone traveling outside the United States should be vaccinated for mumps. There is an increased risk of miscarriage in women who are infected with mumps during the first trimester of pregnancy, but there is no evidence that mumps infection during pregnancies carried to term result in birth defects. Complications of mumps, such as encephalitis, hearing loss, and swollen testicles, are more likely to occur in adults. How do I know if I have mumps? See your health care provider if you have been exposed to someone with mumps or if you have symptoms of mumps. Your health care provider may test you for mumps or see if you are immune to the disease. Many viruses and bacteria
