Although mumps does not usually cause serious longterm problems, the acute symptoms, such as severe swelling of the salivary glands under the jaw bone, can be very uncomfortable. Adults are more likely to have serious complications if they become infected. Child care providers should be aware that exposure to the virus in the first trimester of pregnancy may increase the rate of spontaneous abortion. Mumps is spread from person to person through direct contact with saliva, secretions from the respiratory tract, and urine of an infected person.
Mumps is vaccine-preventable.
Adults born before 1957 are considered to be immune. Exclude the infected child from the facility until 9 days after the swelling begins, or until the swelling subsides. Make sure all children and adults follow good handwashing practices. In large facilities, follow appropriate group separation practices. Review the immunization records of all children in the facility to assure they have received their first mumps vaccination.