Mumps

Mumps is a viral infection of the salivary glands. It can cause swelling of the salivary glands, leading to puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw. However, about one third of infected people do not show any symptoms. The virus is spread through saliva and droplets from the nose and throat.
Colorado Update:
There have been recent cases of confirmed mumps in Colorado. Although outbreaks of mumps are relatively rare, the following information may be useful.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Pain with chewing
- Swelling and pain close to the jaw
- Fatigue
- Headache
- High fever
- Loss of appetite
Prevention tips:
- The best way to prevent mumps is to get the recommended doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Most people receive the vaccine at a very young age.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Cover coughs and sneezes and don’t share utensils, water bottles, lip balm, etc.
- If you have not previously been vaccinated for the mumps, contact Medical Services to receive your vaccination.
Contact a medical provider if:
- You have any of the above symptoms
- You are experiencing abdominal pain
- You have a severe headache or a high fever
- You have pain or swelling of the testicles
If you are experiencing symptoms of mumps, you can schedule an appointment with Medical Services. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 303-492-5432 or online through MyCUHealth.
If you experience symptoms after hours, contact the 24/7 nurse hotline at 303-492-5101.