Mumps in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Mumps is a contagious viral illness that can cause fever, swollen salivary glands (parotitis), and inflammation in other parts of the body. Thanks to routine vaccination, mumps is now uncommon in the United States, including in Grand Rapids. However, outbreaks still occur in Michigan and across college campuses and close-contact settings, so it remains important to keep vaccinations up to date.

In West Michigan, mumps cases and other viral infections can spread more easily in the fall and winter months, when people spend more time indoors and in close contact—especially in schools, workplaces, and university housing.

Why Mumps Vaccination Still Matters in Grand Rapids

Even though mumps is rare, outbreaks have been reported in Michigan in recent years. In a city like Grand Rapids—with a large student and young adult population, and many people working in healthcare, manufacturing, and service industries—close contact is common, which can help the virus spread.

Local healthcare providers such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health), and Mercy Health all follow CDC and Michigan Department of Health guidelines recommending mumps vaccination for children and adults who are not fully immunized.

Signs and Symptoms of Mumps

Mumps symptoms usually appear 12–25 days after exposure (most often 16–18 days). Some people have very mild symptoms or none at all, but they can still spread the virus.

Common symptoms include:

  • Swollen parotid gland(s) (salivary gland in front of the ear) on one or both sides of the face
  • Painful chewing or swallowing
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Fatigue and general tiredness
  • Loss of appetite or mild weight loss
  • Muscle aches

Possible Complications of Mumps

Complications are uncommon, but they can be serious. They include:

  • Orchitis – inflammation of the testicles in males who have gone through puberty
  • Oophoritis – inflammation of the ovaries
  • Mastitis – inflammation of the breasts
  • Meningitis – inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord
  • Encephalitis – inflammation of the brain
  • Hearing loss (usually temporary, but can be permanent in rare cases)
  • Miscarriage if infection occurs in early pregnancy
  • Very rare sterility in men if there is severe testicular inflammation

If you live in Grand Rapids and develop facial swelling with fever or testicular pain, contact your healthcare provider or an urgent care clinic promptly.

How Mumps Spreads in the Grand Rapids Community

Mumps spreads through:

  • Respiratory droplets: when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks
  • Direct contact with saliva: sharing drinks, utensils, cigarettes, vapes, or kissing
  • Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose

People with mumps can spread the virus:

  • From up to 7 days before facial swelling starts
  • Until 9 days after facial swelling begins
  • They are most contagious from 2 days before to 5 days after swelling starts

This is especially important in crowded settings in Grand Rapids, such as:

  • Schools and childcare centers
  • Colleges and universities (e.g., Grand Valley State University, local community colleges)
  • Dormitories and shared housing
  • Workplaces and manufacturing facilities
  • Places of worship and community events

Who Is at Risk of Mumps in Grand Rapids?

You are at higher risk if:

  • You are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated (fewer than 2 doses of MMR)
  • You have never had mumps
  • You live, work, or study in close-contact settings
  • You travel to countries or regions where mumps is more common
  • You work in healthcare, childcare, or education

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health monitor mumps cases and may contact you if you are identified as a close contact of someone with mumps.

Prevention: Mumps Vaccination in Michigan

The MMR and MMRV Vaccines

In the United States, the mumps vaccine is only available as part of combination vaccines:

  • MMR – Measles, Mumps, Rubella
  • MMRV – Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (chickenpox)

These vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing mumps and its complications.

Routine Childhood Vaccination Schedule

In Michigan, including Grand Rapids, the recommended schedule is:

  • First dose: 12–15 months of age (MMR)
  • Second dose: 4–6 years of age (MMR or MMRV)

Check your child’s immunization record with:

  • Your pediatrician or family doctor
  • Your local clinic (e.g., Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids)
  • The Kent County Health Department Immunization Clinic

Catch-Up Vaccination for Teens and Adults

Unless there is a medical reason not to be vaccinated, everyone born in 1957 or later should have:

  • Two documented doses of MMR vaccine, given at least 4 weeks apart, with both doses after 12 months of age
    OR
  • A blood test showing immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella

In Michigan, free or low-cost MMR catch-up vaccines may be available for:

  • Children and teens who missed doses
  • Some adults without documented vaccination or immunity
  • Certain groups such as refugees or humanitarian entrants

If you live in Grand Rapids and are unsure of your vaccination status, talk to:

  • Your primary care provider
  • A local urgent care or walk-in clinic
  • The Kent County Health Department immunization services

Who Should Not Receive the Mumps-Containing Vaccine?

MMR or MMRV vaccines are generally not recommended for:

  • Pregnant women
  • People with a severely weakened immune system (for example, certain cancer treatments, advanced HIV, or high-dose long-term steroid use)
  • People with a severe allergy to a previous dose of MMR or any component of the vaccine

If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or have a weakened immune system, consult your doctor in Grand Rapids (or a specialist at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health) to discuss your options.

Vaccination and Pregnancy

  • Women who are planning pregnancy and are not immune to mumps should be vaccinated before becoming pregnant.
  • After receiving MMR, women should avoid pregnancy for 28 days.
  • MMR is not given during pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, vaccination is delayed until after delivery.

Diagnosis of Mumps

A healthcare provider in Grand Rapids can diagnose mumps based on:

  • Your symptoms
  • A physical examination (checking for swollen salivary glands and other signs)
  • Your medical history, including vaccination status and any recent travel

To confirm the diagnosis, your provider may order:

  • A cheek (buccal) swab to test for the virus
  • A blood test to check for mumps antibodies

These tests are usually coordinated through local labs and hospitals such as Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Treatment: Managing Mumps at Home

No Specific Antiviral Treatment

There is no specific antiviral medication for mumps. Because it is caused by a virus, antibiotics do not work.

Most people with uncomplicated mumps recover fully within about 2 weeks.

How to Relieve Symptoms

People with mumps should:

  • Rest as much as possible
  • Drink plenty of fluids (water, broth, electrolyte drinks) to stay hydrated
  • Eat soft, easy-to-swallow foods, such as:
    • Soups and broths
    • Oatmeal or porridge
    • Mashed or pureed vegetables
    • Yogurt, smoothies, or applesauce
  • Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (if appropriate) to reduce pain and fever
  • Apply cold or cool compresses to the swollen parotid glands (in front of the ears) to ease discomfort

Always follow dosing instructions on medication labels, and talk to your doctor or pediatrician before giving any medicine to children.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact your doctor, urgent care, or a local emergency department if:

  • Your symptoms are getting worse instead of better
  • You develop severe headache or a stiff neck
  • You have pain anywhere other than the face, especially in the testicles, abdomen, or chest
  • You have a high or persistent fever
  • You notice changes in hearing
  • You are pregnant and think you may have been exposed to mumps

Local options include:

  • Your primary care provider or pediatrician
  • Urgent care centers associated with Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • Emergency departments at local hospitals if symptoms are severe

Always call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.

Reducing the Spread of Mumps in Grand Rapids

If You Have Mumps

To protect your family, classmates, and coworkers:

  • Isolate at home to reduce the risk of spreading the virus
  • Stay home for 5 days from the start of facial swelling, or until swelling goes down (whichever is sooner), following CDC and Michigan guidelines
  • Children with mumps should not attend school, daycare, or children’s services during this period
  • Avoid public places such as work, school, gyms, churches, and social events while you are contagious
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze
  • Do not share:
    • Cups or water bottles
    • Eating utensils
    • Toothbrushes
    • Lip balm or makeup
    • Cigarettes or vaping devices

If You Are Caring for Someone with Mumps

Caregivers should:

  • Practice strict hand hygiene
  • Encourage the sick person to cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw it away immediately
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, counters, phones) with disinfectant
  • Avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils with the sick person

If You Have Been Exposed to Mumps in Grand Rapids

You are considered at risk if you:

  • Have been in close contact with someone who has mumps
  • Are not fully vaccinated (fewer than 2 doses of MMR)
  • Have never had mumps

What to Do After Exposure

  • Monitor for symptoms for 25 days after your last exposure
  • If you develop fever, headache, or facial swelling, see a doctor promptly and mention your exposure
  • If you have not had two doses of MMR, you should get vaccinated.
    • Vaccination may not prevent illness from the most recent exposure, but it can protect you from future exposures and help prevent outbreaks.

Contact your healthcare provider or the Kent County Health Department for advice about vaccination and monitoring after exposure.

Local Resources for Mumps Information and Vaccination in Grand Rapids

If you live in Grand Rapids or the greater Kent County area, you can get information or vaccination services from:

  • Kent County Health Department – Immunization services and public health guidance
  • Grand Rapids Public Health programs and clinics
  • Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health primary care and pediatric clinics
  • Local urgent care centers and pharmacies that offer vaccines (for eligible age groups)

Call your clinic or the Kent County Health Department to ask about:

  • Your vaccination status
  • Catch-up MMR vaccines
  • What to do if you or your child has been exposed to mumps

Key Points About Mumps in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Mumps is uncommon in the United States and Michigan because of widespread use of the MMR vaccine.
  • Outbreaks still occur, especially in close-contact settings, so it is important to continue vaccinating children and adults.
  • Complications are uncommon, but can include meningitis, encephalitis, testicular or ovarian inflammation, miscarriage, and hearing loss.
  • People who are not immunized or who have not had mumps are at higher risk, especially if they travel to areas where mumps is more common.
  • The best protection against mumps and its complications is two doses of the MMR vaccine.
  • In Grand Rapids, vaccines and information are available through local hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and the Kent County Health Department.