Thurston County, Washington

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The Thurston County Sheriff's Office is warning about phone scams where callers impersonate deputies, using fear and urgency to demand money—often with spoofed numbers and real names—but they will never call to request payment or personal info.  If you have any questions, please speak with a deputy via dispatch, 360-704-2740.

 

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Thurston County Washington

Public Health and Social Services

Mumps

What is Mumps?

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus that affects the salivary glands. Mumps is still a common disease in many countries, so it's important to get vaccinated to protect yourself. Most people with mumps recover completely within 2 weeks.

People who are infected with mumps don’t get sick right away. It can take 2 to 4 weeks for them to show signs of infection. Common signs of mumps are puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. This is caused by the swollen salivary glands under one or both ears. Early symptoms can begin a few days before the swelling. The most serious complication is brain inflammation of the brain.

Some people who have been vaccinated against mumps can still get the disease. However, they usually have milder symptoms and complications are less frequent.

Mumps | CDC

How it spreads

Alert others if you are infected with mumps!‎‎

Let your doctor know right away if you think you or someone in your family may have mumps. Limit your contact with others for up to 5 days after swelling begins. Stay home from school, work, and do not attend social events.
 
Mumps is a contagious disease caused by the mumps virus. It spreads through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from the mouth, nose, or throat.

You can get mumps and spread the virus by:

  • Coughing, sneezing, or talking.
  • Sharing items that may have saliva on them, such as water bottles or cups.
  • Participating in close-contact activities with others, like playing sports, dancing, or kissing.

When people are contagious

A person infected with mumps can spread it:

  • Beginning a few days before their salivary glands begin to swell.
  • Until up to 5 days after swelling begins.

Prevention

Protect yourself with the vaccine. Getting two doses of the mumps vaccine is the best protection against mumps. It's usually given as a combination vaccine called measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which protects against all three diseases. Your child’s doctor may also offer the MMRV vaccine, a combination vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox).

After the U.S. mumps vaccination program started in 1967, there has been a more than 99% decrease in mumps cases in the United States.

Need to get Vaccinated?

Contact your health care provider.

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Vaccine (WA DOH) 

WA Adulthood and Childhood Vaccine Providers

MMR Vaccine Resources Flyer (TC)