Videos explaining the symptoms, diagnosis and possible complications of mumps.
Mumps is a viral illness that causes fever and swollen salivary glands. In most cases, the person gets better without the need for medical help. However, for some people, it can cause severe symptoms and, rarely, complications that lead to deafness, infertility in adult men or even death. Immunisation is the best protection against mumps.
What you need to know about mumps
Dr Maryann Heather explains why mumps is important and why you should get vaccinated if you haven't had this already. If you are from Tonga, Fiji, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu, make sure you check with your family doctor if you have been vaccinated here as the mumps vaccination isn’t given in these countries.
Key messagesIf you are unsure if you or your whaanau have been vaccinated against mumps, please call or go see your family doctor. Mumps infection can be very serious and the best protection is to be vaccinated. The vaccination is FREE! You can also call Healthline for advice on 0800 611 116. Healthline has translation services available 24/7. |
(Immunisation Advisory Centre, 2017)