Mumps
Reportable by Providers and LaboratoriesAbout this Reportable Disease
Infectious agent: Mumps virus
Description of illness:Mumps is a vaccine-preventable systemic viral illness that is transmitted through droplets when people cough or sneeze, with an average incubation period of 16-18 days (range: 12-25 days). The classic mumps symptom is swelling of one or more of the salivary glands, often the parotid gland, located around the jawline. Other common symptoms that may precede parotitis include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness. Complications may include orchitis (swollen testicles), oophritis (swollen ovaries), mastitis, pancreatitis or meningitis. Up to one in three cases do not exhibit any salivary gland swelling, and may have no symptoms or a mild respiratory illness. Symptoms tend to decrease after one week and usually resolve within 10 days. Outbreaks can occur in highly vaccinated populations, especially in settings where groups have prolonged close contact, such as colleges.
Interactive Disease Data
Laboratory Reporting for this Disease
Mumps Virus PCR
| TEST NAME | Mumps Virus PCR |
| DISEASE/DISORDER | Mumps Virus |
| ALTERNATE NAME(S) | None |
| METHODOLOGY | PCR |
| SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS |
|
| ORDERING INFORMATION | TDH DLS Requisition: PH-4182 Clinical Submission Requisition Form |
Specimen Requirements
Patient Preparation |
|
| Specimen Collection |
|
| Specimen Labeling |
|
| Specimen Processing |
|
| Specimen Storage and Preservation |
|
| Specimen Transportation |
|
| Specimen Acceptability and Rejection |
- The specimen was broken or leaked in transit - No specimen was in the container submitted - Improper specimen type submitted - Specimens received at improper temperature - Specimens received without documentation of consultation |
| Testing Location |
|
Laboratory Reporting
Reporting requirements apply to all laboratories located within Tennessee, as well as laboratories outside of Tennessee that test residents of Tennessee, including laboratories located within healthcare facilities. Healthcare providers and laboratories in the same healthcare facility both have a duty to report. The type of organisms and analytes laboratories must report to TDH for 2026 are indicated, and there are several ways laboratories can report results to TDH.
- Manually report results to TDH by faxing or mailing a completed PH-1600 form to your local health department, or faxing to the state health office at (615) 741-3857
- Automatically submit results to TDH via electronic laboratory reporting (ELR), which automates the process of sharing data with TDH using interoperability standards.
- See the ELR Onboarding Handbook for details on the onboarding process, checklist, frequently asked questions, business rules, message format, and vocabulary.
- To initiate the ELR onboarding process with TDH, register in the Trading Partner Registration (TPR) system TPR provides documentation for Promoting Interoperability (PI) attestation and milestone letters to document onboarding progress. Contact MU.Health@tn.gov for assistance.
- Submit online via NBS. NBS is TDH's reportable disease system. To request an NBS account for reporting Complete this user survey to request an NBS account for reporting.
- Blood lead levels can be sent via fax ( (615) 741-3857), entered online, or reported using the instructions at this link.
Information about this Reportable Disease for Healthcare Providers
Clinical Summary
- It’s a contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus (a member of the Paramyxoviridae family) that primarily affects the salivary glands.
- Typical infection presents with fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and swelling/tenderness of the parotid (jaw/cheek) glands.
- Incubation period averages about 16-18 days (range ~12-25 days), and while most recover fully in ~2 weeks, complications (e.g., orchitis, meningitis, hearing loss) can occur.
- There is no specific antiviral treatment; management is supportive (rest, fluids, pain relief) and prevention is via the two-dose MMR vaccine.
Healthcare Provider Reporting
Healthcare reporting requirements apply to all providers located within Tennessee, as well as providers whose patients reside in Tennessee.
Providers must report cases of all diseases and conditions listed through one of these methods:
• Mail or fax a completed PH-1600 form to your local health department or fax to the state health office at (615) 741-3857
• Send automatically via electronic case reporting (eCR). See this TDH webpage for more information on eCR, register at the Trader Partner Registration website, or contact MU.Health@tn.gov for assistance.
• Submit online via NBS. NBS is TDH's reportable disease system. To request an NBS account for reporting Complete this user survey to request an NBS account for reporting.
• Blood lead levels can be sent via fax ( (615) 741-3857), entered online, or reported using the instructions at this link.
Information about this Reportable Disease for the Public
What It Is
A contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus. It mainly affects the salivary (parotid) glands near the jaw. Spreads through saliva or respiratory droplets. Mostly mild but can cause complications in some..
Types
No distinct strains causing different disease types.
Cases are classified as sporadic or outbreak-related.
Infections may be typical (with swelling) or atypical (mild/no swelling).
Vaccinated people can still get milder infections.
Signs and Symptoms
Fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Painful swelling of one or both parotid glands.
Loss of appetite and difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Complications include orchitis, meningitis, or hearing loss.
Treatment
No specific antiviral treatment available.
Use rest, fluids, and pain or fever reducers.
Apply warm or cold compresses to swollen areas.
Preventable through the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine.
This Page Last Updated: March 25, 2026 at 8:53 PM